KAIST and Seoul National University have identified a mechanism to prevent tooth erosion. Previously, domestic researchers had scientifically proven the harmful effects of carbonated drinks, like cola, on dental health using nanotechnology. Now, they have discovered an effective way to prevent tooth damage from such drinks.
KAIST announced on the 5th that Professor Hong Seung-beom’s team from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, in collaboration with Professor Byun Hye-ryeong’s team from the Department of Chemistry and Seoul National University Dental School, have revealed using nanotechnology how Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) forms a fluoride-containing protective layer on the tooth surface, effectively blocking cola’s corrosive effects.
SDF is a dental agent primarily used for treating and preventing cavities. It strengthens decayed areas, inhibits bacterial growth, and effectively halts the progression of cavities.
The research team used an atomic force microscope (AFM) to analyze the surface morphology and mechanical properties of tooth enamel at the nano-scale, and analyzed the chemical properties of the nano-coating formed by SDF treatment using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Results showed significant differences in surface roughness and elastic modulus changes in teeth exposed to cola, depending on SDF treatment. Specifically, teeth treated with SDF exhibited minimal surface roughness changes due to erosion (from 64 nm to 70 nm) and maintained a high elastic modulus level (from 215 GPa to 205 GPa).
This was attributed to SDF forming a fluoroapatite coating, which acted as a protective layer. Fluoroapatite is a phosphate mineral that can naturally exist or be biologically/manufactured and plays a crucial role in strengthening tooth and bone structures.
Kim Young-jae, a professor at Seoul National University Dental School, stated, “This technology can be utilized for preventing and strengthening teeth in both children and adults, providing a cost-effective and accessible dental treatment method.”
Professor Hong Seung-beom emphasized, “This study provides an effective measure for preventing early tooth erosion in the dental field and opens up the potential to greatly reduce pain and costs by preventing and strengthening teeth with a simple application of SDF rather than traditional surgical treatment.”
The results of this study were published on November 7th in the international academic journal ‘Biomaterials Research.’