Research: Nanoparticles to play ‘crucial role in dentistry’

by Colgate Contributor

Nanoparticles, microscopic particles between 1 and 100 nanometers in size, will play a “crucial role in dentistry” with applications becoming useful in endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and dental imaging, according to a paper published in the August issue of the medical journal Drug Dentistry Today.

Researchers from several universities India wrote the paper, in which they found that nanoparticles, widely used in dentistry due to their antimicrobial actions, can be used in dental biomaterials that improves its mechanical, physical and biological properties.

“The unique properties of nanoparticles, including their surface-to-volume ratio, antibacterial action, physical, mechanical and biological characteristics, and unique particle size have rendered them effective vehicles for dental applications,” the researchers wrote. “In this review, we provide insights into the various applications of nanoparticles in dentistry, including their benefits, limitations, properties, actions and future potential.”

According to the paper, the researchers discovered that nanoparticles can create stronger and more flexible restoratives, contribute to dentures that may help prevent infections and even remineralize toothpastes.

“Nanostructures are used in innovations or diagnosis of dentistry,” the researchers wrote. “Some nanoparticles are used for oral disease preventive drugs, prostheses and for teeth implantation. Nanomaterials further deliver oral fluid or drugs, preventing and curing some oral diseases and maintain oral health care up to a high extent.”

The researches concluded, “Nanotechnology is going to be an essential part of the clinical dental practice. Nanomaterials are used in toothpaste and other rinsing solutions for better oral health care services, which will become less stressful for the dental surgeons. Nanodentistry attracts patients towards dentistry, since it will be cost effective, time-saving and prevent the patient from mental trauma. Development of modified nanomaterials is surely going to help to solve dental problems.”

The paper is available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5854556/.

© 2018 American Dental Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or republication is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission from the American Dental Association.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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Oral cancer – according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, men over the age of 40 have the greatest risk for oral cancer. About approximately 43,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer of the mouth, tongue or throat area, and the ACS estimates that about 7,000 people will die from these cancers. The use of tobacco products and alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer. Most oral cancers are first diagnosed by the dentist during a routine checkup.

Dental fillings break down – fillings have a life expectancy of eight to 10 years. However, they can last 20 years or longer. When the fillings in your mouth start to break down, food and bacteria can get underneath them and can cause decay deep in the tooth.