Grapes are being revered as the newest treatment against tooth decay.
The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry has found that grape seed extract can toughen dentin, the tissue in the tooth beneath its hard external enamel. Scientists believe that this discovery could prevent tooth decay and tooth loss as the grape seed extract is said to strengthen the tooth from the inside out.
This is also good news for patients with fillings, as the grape seed extract can increase the longevity of composite resin fillings. These specific fillings are the most popular choice in the world of dentistry, as they are made to be the same color of the tooth to look more natural. However, they can be quite expensive, and many patients opt out of choosing this method simply due to the cost.
But, by using this method, the grape seed extract will be able to bond with materials used to make fillings in order to make them stronger. Dr. Ana Bedran-Russo, a dental professor at the University of Chicago explains to the Daily Mail how exactly this process works.
“When fillings fail, decay forms around it and the seal is lost. We want to reinforce the interface, which will make the resin bond better to the dentin. The interface can be changed through the use of new natural materials.”
Experts believe that this discovery can be exceptionally beneficial concerning the alarming rate of tooth decay and poor dental hygiene in the United States. More and more Americans are suffering from lack of proper dental hygiene, especially children. In fact, more than 40% of children have dental cavities by the time they enter kindergarten.
How the grape seed extract works is simple — when someone consumes foods and drinks high in sugar, the bacteria in plaque produce harmful acid that breaks down the enamel of the tooth. This is how cavities are formed, making the tooth’s dentin vulnerable, leading to the need for fillings. The grape seed extract will be able to help this damaged dentin repair itself while also binding to the resins used in fillings and making the tooth stronger all together.
While there are no reports on how grape seed extract will be applied to the tooth, the researchers are hopeful that this discovery will change the world of cavity treatment in dentistry.
