A peptide coating could help prevent tooth decay

Researchers from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Hong Kong have developed a bioactive peptide that, in laboratory experiments, when applied to tooth surfaces, prevents the formation of new cavities and restores existing ones.

Traditional treatment of tooth decay involves removing the affected tissue and filling the cavities with amalgam or composite, which can damage healthy tissue and cause significant discomfort for patients, the researchers note.

Instead, the researchers developed a two-pronged strategy. First, it prevents colonization of the tooth surface by bacteria that form dental plaque, which causes tooth decay. Second, it reduces demineralization while increasing remineralization.

The basis of the new anti-caries coating was the natural antimicrobial peptide H5. Produced by human salivary glands, H5 can adsorb onto tooth enamel and destroy a wide range of bacteria and fungi.

To stimulate remineralization, the researchers added a phosphoserine group to one end of the H5 molecule, which they believe will allow it to attract more calcium ions to restore enamel. They then tested the modified peptide on sections of human molars.

Compared with natural H5, the new peptide adsorbs more firmly to tooth surfaces, destroys more bacteria and inhibits their adhesion, and also protects teeth from demineralization. Both peptides promoted remineralization to an equal degree.

The researchers believe their work could lead to people being able to apply the modified peptide to their teeth in the form of a varnish or gel after brushing to protect against tooth decay.

The study “Constructing an Antibiofouling and Mineralizing Bioactive Tooth Surface to Protect Against Decay and Promote Self-Healing” was published in the December issue of the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.