Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

New Gum Disease Treatment?

Friday, September 04, 2015

When you think of blueberries and teeth, you usually think about purple stains and the need to brush with a whitening toothpaste. If researchers have their way, we may soon think of blueberries as an innovative new gum disease treatment.

Gum disease is very common and severe cases call for treatment using antibiotics. Gum disease and gingivitis result from the build-up of dental plaque on teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky biofilm containing bacteria that forms on teeth. If the plaque isn't removed in a timely manner it becomes a hard substance called tartar. Only a dental cleaning can remove tartar and stop the infection process.

Prevention of gum disease and avoiding antibiotic use is in everyone's best interest so researchers from the Universite' Laval in Canada looked at blueberry polyphenols, which are known to protect plants against some diseases. Using extracts from the wild lowbush blueberry they were able to stop bacteria from growing and forming biofilms. The tests showed that the blueberry polyphenols blocked inflammation on a molecular level.

The research team is now in development of a device that could slowly release these extracts after a deep cleaning to treat gum disease, much like antibiotics are now used.

Keeping your gums healthy is key to maintaining good overall health throughout our lives. Gum disease and bacteria have been linked to heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Find out more about healthy gums and a healthy body by contacting Mogell Dental Associates at 561-394-9000 today.

Labels: gum disease, oral hygiene