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07/09/2017
Aspirin Could Reverse The Effects Of Tooth Decay
Aspirin could reverse the effects of tooth decay, according to researchers at Queen's University in Belfast.
Taking aspirin could also result in a reduction in the need for fillings, the findings have revealed.
Tooth decay is the most common dental disease worldwide and imposes a huge financial burden on the NHS, particularly in Northern Ireland, which has the highest prevalence in the UK.
The findings, to be presented today, 07 September, at the British Society for Oral and Dental Research Annual Conference, show that aspirin can enhance the function of stem cells found in the teeth, thus helping self-repair by regenerating lost tooth structure.
The researchers combined genomics and novel bioinformatics to identify aspirin as a candidate drug with properties that stimulate existing stem cells in the tooth to enhance the regeneration of the damaged tooth structure.
Treatment of stem cells from teeth with low-dose aspirin significantly increased mineralisation and the expression of genes responsible for forming dentine, the hard tooth structure that is usually damaged by decay.
This novel discovery, coupled with the known anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects of aspirin, could provide a solution for controlling tooth nerve inflammation and pain while promoting natural tooth repair.
Principal investigator Dr El Karim said: "There is huge potential to change our approach to one of the biggest dental challenges we face. Our initial research findings in the laboratory suggest that the use of aspirin, a drug already licensed for human use, could offer an immediate innovative solution enabling our teeth to repair themselves.
"Our next step will be to develop an appropriate delivery system to test the drug efficacy in a clinical trial. This novel approach could not only increase the long-term survival of teeth but could also result in huge savings for the NHS and other healthcare systems worldwide."
(CD/JP)
Taking aspirin could also result in a reduction in the need for fillings, the findings have revealed.
Tooth decay is the most common dental disease worldwide and imposes a huge financial burden on the NHS, particularly in Northern Ireland, which has the highest prevalence in the UK.
The findings, to be presented today, 07 September, at the British Society for Oral and Dental Research Annual Conference, show that aspirin can enhance the function of stem cells found in the teeth, thus helping self-repair by regenerating lost tooth structure.
The researchers combined genomics and novel bioinformatics to identify aspirin as a candidate drug with properties that stimulate existing stem cells in the tooth to enhance the regeneration of the damaged tooth structure.
Treatment of stem cells from teeth with low-dose aspirin significantly increased mineralisation and the expression of genes responsible for forming dentine, the hard tooth structure that is usually damaged by decay.
This novel discovery, coupled with the known anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects of aspirin, could provide a solution for controlling tooth nerve inflammation and pain while promoting natural tooth repair.
Principal investigator Dr El Karim said: "There is huge potential to change our approach to one of the biggest dental challenges we face. Our initial research findings in the laboratory suggest that the use of aspirin, a drug already licensed for human use, could offer an immediate innovative solution enabling our teeth to repair themselves.
"Our next step will be to develop an appropriate delivery system to test the drug efficacy in a clinical trial. This novel approach could not only increase the long-term survival of teeth but could also result in huge savings for the NHS and other healthcare systems worldwide."
(CD/JP)
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21 September 2004
Minister drills home tooth decay problem
Health Minister Angela Smith has launched a consultation document aimed at improving the state of people's teeth in Northern Ireland. The Oral Health Strategy is a 10-year plan which aims to improve the oral health of the entire population and reduce inequalities.
Minister drills home tooth decay problem
Health Minister Angela Smith has launched a consultation document aimed at improving the state of people's teeth in Northern Ireland. The Oral Health Strategy is a 10-year plan which aims to improve the oral health of the entire population and reduce inequalities.
04 February 2004
Children need to brush up on teeth care
The state of children's teeth in Northern Ireland came under the spotlight today after it was revealed that over 7,000 children had teeth removed during 2002. Figures compiled by DHSSPS showed that 29,544 teeth were removed from the mouths of children during that year.
Children need to brush up on teeth care
The state of children's teeth in Northern Ireland came under the spotlight today after it was revealed that over 7,000 children had teeth removed during 2002. Figures compiled by DHSSPS showed that 29,544 teeth were removed from the mouths of children during that year.
29 May 2009
'Keep Taking The Tablets', Says NICHS
A leading medical charity has warned people at risk of heart attack not to stop taking aspirin, after researchers said it should be taken "only by those who had already had a heart attack or a stroke".
'Keep Taking The Tablets', Says NICHS
A leading medical charity has warned people at risk of heart attack not to stop taking aspirin, after researchers said it should be taken "only by those who had already had a heart attack or a stroke".
17 September 2015
Council Issues Warning Over Illegal Tooth Whitening
Belfast City Council has issued a warning to the public over the dangers of having their teeth whitened by firms not registered with the General Dental Council (GMC). Recently, environmental health staff saw an increase in the number of businesses offering the service.
Council Issues Warning Over Illegal Tooth Whitening
Belfast City Council has issued a warning to the public over the dangers of having their teeth whitened by firms not registered with the General Dental Council (GMC). Recently, environmental health staff saw an increase in the number of businesses offering the service.
21 May 2018
Teenager Assaulted In L'Derry
A teenager has been assaulted in Co L'Derry. The attack, which is being treated as sectarian, happened in the Waterside area just after 10pm on Saturday, 19 May. The 15-year-old was repeatedly kicked on his head, face and back. He was able to get away and a member of the public brought him home.
Teenager Assaulted In L'Derry
A teenager has been assaulted in Co L'Derry. The attack, which is being treated as sectarian, happened in the Waterside area just after 10pm on Saturday, 19 May. The 15-year-old was repeatedly kicked on his head, face and back. He was able to get away and a member of the public brought him home.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
