DENTAL CLINIC

We look forward to seeing you smile!

×
  • Home
  • Our Doctors
  • Our Quality Services
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Gallery
  • Request an Appointment
  • Contact

Beyond tooth decay

Why good Dental hygiene is Important

Beyond tooth decay
September 5, 2016Michael ApiceUncategorized

With one in two Australian children reported to have tooth decay in their permanent teeth by age 12, researchers from the University of Sydney believe they have identified some nanoscale elements that govern the behaviour of our teeth.

Material and structures engineers worked with dentists and bioengineers to map the exact composition and structure of tooth enamel at the atomic scale.

Using a relatively new microscopy technique called atom probe tomography, their work produced the first-ever three-dimensional maps showing the positions of atoms critical in the decay process.

The new knowledge on atom composition at the nanolevel has the potential to aid oral health hygiene and caries prevention, and has been published in the journal Science Advances.

Professor Julie Cairney, Material and Structures Engineer in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, said: “The dental professionals have known that certain trace ions are important in the tough structure of tooth enamel but until now it had been impossible to map the ions in detail.

“The structure of human tooth enamel is extremely intricate and while we have known that magnesium, carbonate and fluoride ions influence enamel properties scientists have never been able to capture its structure at a high enough resolution or definition.”

“What we have found are the magnesium-rich regions between the hydroxyapatite nanorods that make up the enamel.

“This means we have the first direct evidence of the existence of a proposed amorphous magnesium-rich calcium phosphate phase that plays an essential role in governing the behaviour of teeth. ”

Co-lead researcher on the study, Dr Alexandre La Fontaine from the University’s Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, said:

We were also able to see nanoscale ‘clumps’ of organic material, which indicates that proteins and peptides are heterogeneously distributed within the enamel rather than present along all the nanorod interfaces, which was what was previously suggested.

The mapping has the potential for new treatments designed around protecting against the dissolution of this specific amorphous phase.

The new understanding of how enamel forms will also help in tooth remineralisation research.”

Add Comment Cancel

You must be logged in to post a comment.

10 Tips for keeping a healthy smile!

Read my new e-book

Latest Articles

  • Hello world! Apr 20

    Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or...

  • Have more than eight dental fillings? Oct 7

    Dental surface restorations composed of dental amalgam, a mixture of...

  • A bad bite is associated with worse postural, balance control Oct 7

    In recent years there has been increasing medical interest in...

  • Beyond tooth decay Sep 5

    With one in two Australian children reported to have tooth...

Archives

  • April 2017
  • October 2016
  • September 2016

Recent Comments

    "My experience was truly second to none. Dr. Sardelli was incredibly helpful, thorough and informative. Found my dentist for life."
    Michael Apice

    201.854.7800

    info@7800DentalCare.com

    7800 Bergenline Ave North Bergen N.J. 07047

    Quick Links

    • Home
    • Our Doctors
    • Our Quality Services
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Gallery
    • Request an Appointment
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    Hours of Operation:

    MONDAY 2pm-6pm
    TUESDAY By appointment only
    WEDNESDAY 9am-6pm
    THURSDAY 9am-6pm
    FRIDAY 9am-6pm
    SATURDAY 9am-3pm
    We will strive to accommodate appointments to your busy schedule.
    MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
    Copyright © 2018- 2019 | 7800 DENTAL CARE. All rights reserved.
    Design & Developement by Michael Apice Studios