Live data from Hacker News

Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

dental.washington.edu

61–70 of 364 posts

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#61
post #51

There really needs to be something like this. When we look back on dentistry in 50-100 years we will be amazed how barbaric it was! Ouch!

I think about this fairly often. When getting a root canal (it doesn’t hurt!) it’s sort of odd to see in this day and age the tools they use.

I used to work with a few orthopedic surgeons over a couple years and discovered a lot of the tools used during surgery for bones or hard materials in the body really aren't all that different than what you'd find at a hardware store.

Usually tools are a bit more precise, materials are a bit more stringently regulated, and everything is typically well sterilized but when it comes to the physical mechanics, they're about the same. Drills, saws, hammers, all that good stuff.

The main difference is you're usually not watching it for a variety of reasons unlike many dental procedures. And the tools are in the hands of a literal surgeon.

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#62

Assuming this works, isn't this pretty much game over for dentists? I'm aware that dentists do more than fillings, but it seems like there would be a serious contraction, even if this costed something like $1000 a tooth after insurance. That being said, even if this worked, it's not like it's instant, so you still have to be careful with your teeth. I wonder how this differs from novamin, which supposedly does the sa…

Not really. Plaque removal has to be the #1 thing done at a dentist's office. I've had one cavity filled in the last 15 years, and the rest of the visits have been cleanings (ie. plaque removal).

Plus, it really doesn't matter how well you brush and floss. There's always something for the hygienist to remove. Which, I can only assume prevents this lozenge from actually doing anything.

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#63
post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

sugar doesn't cause cavities, acids do. some bacteria which is not uniformly present in people eats carbs and deposits acids. this is covered in great detail ina good book, "kiss your dentist goodbye" that i just read. ive seen improvements in my awful teeth after giving the free regimen a try

Are there any Ph tablets that are effective at neutralizing the acid that isn’t toothpaste? I’ve only recently learned you aren’t supposed to rinse your mouth after brushing!

You could just eat a spoonful of baking soda.

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Mostly no. Keep in mind people are not born with perfect teeth by default. My SO is a DDS and has been practicing for about 15 years now. The bulk of her workday is definitely not fillings. Remember people break teeth, grind teeth, teeth die (trauma, health, etc), people want cosmetic work and the list goes on and on. She loves this type of thing to let people help themselves - but it often doesn't work. There's prod…

What is this product you mentioned that reverses the start of cavities? Any google of it is filled with cheap SEO for me.

The one I remember is called MI Paste [0]. From what I understand it can help remineralize and strengthen teeth. Basically vitamins for your teeth.

[0] http://www.mi-paste.com/about.php

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#65
post #36
post #31

> In addition, the researchers are investigating a gel or solution with the engineered peptide to treat hypersensitive teeth. This problem results from weakness in the enamel that makes the underlying dentin and nerves more vulnerable to heat or cold. Most common products currently on the market can put a layer of organic material on the tooth and numb nerve endings with potassium nitrate, but the relief is only temp…

For anybody that grinds their teeth, investigate getting a splint before you reach this stage. https://www.coredental.com.au/splints-dentist-recommend-one/

They give me very bad tooth pain and cause my teeth to move (I couldn't close my mouth properly after I used one for a couple weeks as 2 teeth would end up touching that didn't before). Luckily it reverted quickly but I stopped using it.

I mainly used it because sometimes I woke up hitting my teeth together really hard (it hurt a lot) but it was mainly due to stress. I really try to avoid that now, if I fail I may go back to using it :(

These lozenges will be great to get. I have pretty strong enamel though as they give all kids regular fluoride treatments. It really helped for me. I didn't have a cavity until the age of 43.

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#66
Weird teeth-cleaning trick that I discovered from suffering from interstitial cystitis / painful bladder syndrome (IC / BPS): toss a bit of baking soda in your water, such as 1 teaspoon per liter. It makes it alkaline. My teeth got whiter and felt better (less of a film feeling).

Baking soda is used as a cooking ingredient and shouldn't be too risky, but don't go overboard... bit of discussion on the IC / BPS aspect in the two citations below (including risks):

[Effects of urine alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate orally on lower urinary tract symptoms in female patients: a pilot study](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00192-017-3492-...)

[Urine alkalization improves the problems of pain and sleep in hypersensitive bladder syndrome](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24224617)

UPDATE: Also check edathamil toothpaste as I mentioned in a below comment https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27329165

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#67
post #51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think about this fairly often. When getting a root canal (it doesn’t hurt!) it’s sort of odd to see in this day and age the tools they use.

> (it doesn’t hurt!) It doesn't hurt for you . Some people, including myself, have had root canals that have almost caused worse pain than when I was in the ICU.

That's the parent's point: the tools and methods have changed so that now it no longer hurts.

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#68
post #66

Weird teeth-cleaning trick that I discovered from suffering from interstitial cystitis / painful bladder syndrome (IC / BPS): toss a bit of baking soda in your water, such as 1 teaspoon per liter. It makes it alkaline. My teeth got whiter and felt better (less of a film feeling). Baking soda is used as a cooking ingredient and shouldn't be too risky, but don't go overboard... bit of discussion on the IC / BPS aspect…

Isn't baking soda a fairly common ingredient in toothpaste? (See arm and hammer brand toothpaste)

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#69
post #54

I've always wondered how come there wasn't more effort put into something like this. It's a huge business opportunity. Everyone hates going to the dentist.

Hair is a bigger market. Not in terms of people it affects, but what people will pay. But.... likewise, it amazes me we have a million and a half ways to grow hair on mice, but none on humans. Makes me think we need to relax human trials on volunteers (only half joking).

Re: Trials begin on lozenge that rebuilds tooth enamel

#70

How does this compare with Sensodyne Repair and Protect? That product uses Novamin and effective rebuilds enamel, also offering whitening, reduced sensitivity, etc.

I've used Sensodyne for years for sensitivity issues.

Last year, I tried a new version with whitening and after a couple of weeks my teeth started hurting all day long. It took me a couple of days until I made the connection.

I stopped using that and went back to what is being sold (here in Mexico) as Sensodyne Original.

Post reply on HN