Alzheimers drug may help fight tooth decay
Posted on: 13/Jan/2017 5:20:07 PM
Scientists from the Dental Institute at King`s College London have found a way to renew living stem cells in tooth pulp using an Alzheimer`s drug which could help naturally repair decaying teeth. The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports
Currently dentists use man-made cements or fillings, such as calcium and silicon-based products, to treat these larger cavities and fill holes in teeth. This cement remains in the tooth and fails to disintegrate, meaning that the normal mineral level of the tooth is never completely restored. Now, the researchers have proven a way to stimulate the stem cells contained in the pulp of the tooth and generate new dentine - the mineralised material that protects the tooth - in large cavities, potentially reducing the need for fillings or cements.
As this new method encourages natural tooth repair, it could provide a more natural solution for patients. Significantly, one of the small molecules used by the team to stimulate the renewal of the stem cells included Tideglusib, which has previously been used in clinical trials to treat neurological disorders including Alzheimer`s disease. This presents a real opportunity to fast-track the treatment into practice.
Speaking about this, the researchers said, The simplicity of our approach makes it ideal as a clinical dental product for the natural treatment of large cavities, by providing both pulp protection and restoring dentine. In addition, using a drug that has already been tested in clinical trials for Alzheimer`s disease provides a real opportunity to get this dental treatment quickly into clinics.
