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Plaque-busting Nanoparticles Could Help Fight Tooth Decay

Posted by Soulskill on from the reasons-to-put-nanotech-in-your-face dept.

sciencehabit writes: Nanotechnology might soon save you a trip to the dentist. Researchers have developed tiny sphere-shaped particles that ferry a payload of bacteria-slaying drugs to the surface of the teeth, where they fight plaque and tooth decay on the spot (abstract). The approach could also be adapted to combat other plaquelike substances, known as biofilms, such as those that form on medical devices like orthopedic implants.

2 of 68 comments (clear)

  1. How about cutting sugar* by ruir · · Score: 3, Informative

    Much like the tobacco industry in the 60s, the sugar industry has been lobbying right and left for not be of medical advice on the open to cut out on sweets, unlike it is done for alcohol and tobacco nowadays. Be proactive. It is far cheaper too.

    1. Re: How about cutting sugar* by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

      Native Americans did not have problems with tooth decay until they learned how to cultivate corn and significantly increased their intake of sugars.