Ultrathin 'artificial enamel' may have myriad dental uses

Japanese researchers have created an ultrathin, flexible hydroxyapatite sheet that could have several applications in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, from preventing decay and restoring enamel to giving teeth a whiter appearance.

The biocompatible film, developed by scientists from the Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology at Kinki University in Wakayama, Japan, is made from hydroxyapatite (HAp) that is fabricated into microscopically thin sheets.

The hydroxyapatite film is the first of its kind in the world, according to the research team. And when it is applied to the surface of a tooth it is nearly invisible, stated lead researcher Shigeki Honstu, a professor at Kinki University, in an article by AFP. Honstu, who first developed the material in 2007, noted that the initial goal of this project was to create artificial dentin.

"Because its composition is similar to that of tooth enamel, this HAp sheet can be used for the regeneration and protection of dentine," he and his colleagues wrote in a study testing the technology's use with tooth enamel, 2012, Vol. 493-494, pp. 615-619). In that study, they determined that "the HAp sheet is effective for the restoration and conservation of the tooth in dental applications."

Laser-based fabrication

When completed, the film is only 0.004-mm (0.00016-inch) thick. In order to accomplish this, the researchers separated individual particles of hydroxyapatite from compressed blocks of the material with a laser-based hydrothermal fabrication technique. The particles settle onto a salt block, which is heated to crystallize them, and the stand is subsequently dissolved in water.

Once the film has dried on a filter paper, it is strong enough to be handled with a pair of tweezers. Apatite ceramics typically resist bending, the researchers noted, but this particular sheet is flexible and sheer.

"The moment you put it on a tooth surface, it becomes invisible. You can barely see it if you examine it under a light," Hontsu told AFP. For cosmetic purposes, it can also be turned a shade of white, he added.

Getting the sheet to adhere to the surface of a tooth is aided by minute holes in it, allowing air liquid and air to escape and preventing the formation of bubbles, according to the AFP article.

In the Key Engineering Materials study, the researchers fused a HAp sheet to the enamel of a human tooth sample and found that the HAp film and the enamel were "strongly adhering." The adhesion process, which used a calcium phosphate solution as an adhesive, took approximately one week to complete.

Moving toward commercialization

Now the researchers can affix it to enamel in one day, according to the AFP article. While the improvement is significant, it would still be difficult to properly place it on a human subject.

The researchers also tested the ability of HAp sheets to adhere to other materials -- including those relevant to dentistry, such as dental implants, artificial cartilage, and a 3D titanium scaffold -- with good results.

"The pulsed laser deposition HAp strongly bonds to metal or polymer substrates and exhibits good biocompatibility," they wrote.

Facing It

Your smile plays a major role in how you perceive yourself, as well as in the impressions you make on the people around you. A charming smile can open doors and knock down barriers that stand between you and the fuller richer life you deserve.
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Easy as 1, 2....3!!!

1.Brush at least two times daily

How do I choose the right toothbrush?

• Bristle: It is important to be gentle to your gums, so a soft –bristled brush is best.
• Size: Select a brush that fits comfortable in all areas of your mouth
• Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush: Both are effective in removing plaque if used correctly.
• Brushing Tips
• Do not press hard! Brushing too hard can cause gums to recede and expose root areas, which can lead to tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods.
• Brush all sides of your teeth gently and slowly for 2-3 minutes in an up and down, as well as circular motion, especially along the gum line.
• Gently brushing your tongue is also helpful in removing bacteria and food particles and may help with bad breath.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months as the bristles begin to spread.
• Use any kind of toothpaste – as long as it has fluoride in it.
• A pinky-nail size amount of toothpaste is all you need.

2.Floss Daily

Why is it important to floss daily?
Plaque accumulates between the teeth, areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing helps to break up and pull out the plaque. If you don’t get rid of the plaque between your teeth, cavaties can result, tartar can form, and gum disease may result. Flossing also helps control bad breath.
What’s the best way to floss?

• Ease the floss between each tooth. Try not to snap the floss between the teeth.
• Bend the floss around each tooth to form a “C”
• Move the floss up and down against each tooth, making sure you gently get slightly under the gum line of each tooth.
• Be sure to floss behind the rear-most molars.

Use of mouth rise does not take the place of brushing or flossing.

3.SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY

It is important to see your dentist regularly. Even though you are working hard by brushing twice a day and flossing daily, your dentist will give your teeth an extra special cleaning and remove any tartar that may have formed. If you have a cavity, it is important to get it taken care of as soon as possible to lessen pain and possibly prevent developing a painful infection. Your dentist may also spot other medical problems just by looking in your mouth. Your dentist will let you know how often you should schedule visits.

Healthy Habits for Kids

Start Early

Your child’s baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they first appear—which is typically around age 6 months. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred toa Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. It most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. In some cases, infants and toddlers experience decay so severe that their teeth cannot be saved and need to be removed.
The good news is that tooth decay is preventable! Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are 3-years-old. As your child grows, their jaws also grow, making room for their permanent teeth.

Cleaning Your Child’s Teeth

• Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur.
• When your child’s teeth begin to come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and water. A baby’s front four teeth usually push through the gums at about 6 months of age, although some children don’t have their first tooth until 12 or 14 months.
• For children older than 2, brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure they spit out the toothpaste. (Ask your child's dentist or physician if you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before age 2.)
• Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush on his or her own, continue to brush your child's teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing their teeth daily.

Teething 
 
Teething is one of the first rituals of life. Although newborns usually have no visible teeth, most baby teeth begin to appear generally about six months after birth. During the first few years of your child’s life, all 20 baby teeth will push through the gums and most children will have their full set of these teeth in place by age 3. A baby’s front four teeth usually erupt or push through the gums at about six months of age, although some children don’t have their first tooth until 12 or 14 months. As their teeth erupt, some babies may become fussy, sleepless and irritable, lose their appetite or drool more than usual. Diarrhea, rashes and a fever are not normal symptoms for a teething baby. If your infant has a fever or diarrhea while teething or continues to be cranky and uncomfortable, call your physician.

First Dental Visit

As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, it’s time to schedule a dental visit. The ADA recommends that the first dental visit take place within six months after the first tooth appears, but no later than a child’s first birthday. Don’t wait for them to start school or until there's an emergency.  Get your child comfortable today with good mouth healthy habits.

Although the first visit is mainly for the dentist to examine your child’s mouth and to check growth and development, it’s also about your child being comfortable. To make the visit positive:

• Consider making a morning appointment when children tend to be rested and cooperative.
• Keep any anxiety or concerns you have to yourself. Children can pick up on your emotions, so emphasize the positive.
• Never use a dental visit as a punishment or threat.
• Never bribe your child.
• Talk with your child about visiting the dentist.

During this visit, you can expect the dentist to:

• Inspect for oral injuries, cavities or other problems.
• Let you know if your child is at risk of developing tooth decay.
• Clean your child’s teeth and provide tips for daily care.
• Discuss teething, pacifier use, or finger/thumbsucking habits.
• Discuss treatment, if needed, and schedule the next check-up.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, including oceans, rivers and lakes. Fluoride is also added to some community tap water, toothpastes and mouth rinses. Infants and toddlers who do not receive an adequate amount of fluoride may be at an increased risk for tooth decay since fluoride helps make tooth enamel more resistant to decay. It also helps repair weakened enamel. Bottled water may not contain fluoride; therefore, children who regularly drink bottled water or unfluoridated tap water may be missing the benefits of fluoride. If you are not sure if your tap water has fluoride, contact your local or state health department or water supplier.
Note: Discuss your child’s fluoride needs with your dentist or pediatrician. They may recommend a fluoride supplement if you live in an area where the community water is not fluoridated.

Pacifiers

Infants and young children may suck on thumbs, other fingers or pacifiers. Pacifiers dipped in sugar, honey, juice or sweetened drinks, can lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay can also begin when cavity-causing bacteria pass from saliva in a mother or caregiver’s mouth to the infant. When the mother or caregiver puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth, or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby.

For more information...call the office today, 310-322-1814.