AUSTRALIA: Researchers at the School of Dentistry and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, have recently used nanotechnology to develop effective ways to manage tooth sensitivity.
Dentinal tubules are present in the dentin, the layer below the enamel of the teeth. When tooth enamel has been affected, and the dentin is exposed, eating or drinking something cold or hot can cause a sudden sharp flash of pain.
Tooth sensitivity has been affecting up to 74 per cent of the population. Sometimes it severely impacts the quality of life and requires expensive treatment.
Therefore, Yuxue Cao, the lead author of the research, and colleagues worked on the nanomaterials that can rapidly block the exposed dentin tubules and prevent unpleasant pain. Their approach of using a mixture of tiny and large-sized nanomaterials acts faster and lasts longer than current treatment options.
These nanomaterials can be developed into a paste, so they can be easily appliable and remain on sensitive teeth for a few minutes.
According to Dr Chun Xu, the research contributor, if clinical trials came out successful, people would be benefitted from this new method in the comfort of their home, without the need to visit a dentist shortly.
The study 'Calcium-Doped Silica Nanoparticles Mixed with Phosphate-Doped Silica Nanoparticles for Rapid and Stable Occlusion of Dentin Tubules' has been published in ACS Applied Nano Materials.