Gum Disease Prevention Taken to New Heights with Science
Gum disease is traditionally prevented by proper oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, as well as, root planing and scaling when at risk. One day in the future the prevention of gum disease may be taken to new heights with an additional treatment designed to disrupt the connections between disease causing molecules and normal bacteria. In this way, there may be an opportunity to prevent gum disease and tooth loss associated with gum disease.
Study results outlined in the journal Microbiology recently suggest that a new drug could be developed to target a molecule on the surface of Treponema called CTLP that acts as the open door for bacterium to access to the community of pathogens in the oral cavity. Once combined, TLP in conjunction with other bacterial molecules, can begin to inhibit blood clotting (otherwise leading to continued bleeding gums and causing tissue damage).
Dental plaque is the result of acid production from bacteria and is a major cause of bleeding gums and gum disease. Gingivitis is the precursor to gum disease. Approximately 75% of the population has some form of gum disease. Gum disease has also been linked to a variety of diseases, including heart attack and stroke. So, a treatment that would prevent gum disease is very appealing to improve quality of life for many.
If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin Dental Spa.