Development of products for remineralization and reestablishment of oral health based on bioglass

Abstract

One of the most common oral pathologies in the population is dentin hypersensitivity (DH), with up to 60% incidence depending on the population analyzed. DH is characterized by acute and transient pain arising from dentin exposure in response to external stimuli of a thermal, tactile, osmotic or chemical nature that can not be explained by any other pathology or dental defect.The term 'dentin hypersensitivity' has been more widely used in the literature to describe this common and painful dental condition, although other terms are also employed. There are also authors who argue for the distinction between "dentin hypersensitivity" and "dentinal hypersensitivity radicular", a pathology that would have the same signs and symptoms, which, however, besides the external stimuli would also include the participation of periodontal pathogens in the process of triggered pain. Current evidence has shown that gingival recession resulting from abrasion or periodontal disease is one of the primary processes leading to dentin exposure while erosion is one of the major factors responsible for the opening of dentinal canaliculi. The fact that there are open canaliculi creates a direct connection between the external environment and the pulp of the tooth, which allows external stimuli to reach the pulp triggering the painful effect. Currently, the treatment and prevention of dentin hypersensitivity has focused only on the control of the mechanism of transmission of the nerve impulse, i.e., they are merely short-term anesthetic products. Aware of this, the company VETRA, a spin-off originated from CeRTEV (one of the CEPID projects of FAPESP), wants to present different solutions for the dental market, through the availability of an innovative bioactive glass patented in the USA and European Union, F18 .F18 bioglass has a pronounced bactericidal effect when in contact with aqueous media, such as blood, saliva or sweat. In addition, it releases specific ions that stimulate enamel and dentin regeneration, eliminating the cause of hypersensitivity. Because it is a material composed of chemical elements already present in the human body, it is non-toxic and presents no risk to the environment, as well as generates no allergies and no side effects. These properties are highly desirable in a professional desensitizer for long-lasting action. Thus, this project intends to study the incorporation of the F18 bioglass in the form of powder to different products classified as dental consumables (as prophylactic paste, desensitizers and even implants), as well as to evaluate its effectiveness in the treatment of sensitive teeth. This is a project of great technological relevance and with great marketing potential. (AU)