Researchers Invent 'Magical' Cure For Cavities

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If you have ever had the misfortune of being under the dentist's drill for a cavity filling, you know how awful the experience is. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Leeds has come up with an ingenious treatment that not only keeps the drill at bay, but also, helps re-generate your pearly whites so that they look like new again!

The radical treatment is the brainchild of a team of scientists led by Jennifer Kirkham at the University's School of Chemistry. It involves applying a peptide or mixture of amino acids they call P 11-4 to the area of the tooth that is showing early signs of decay. The fluid seeps into the micro pores formed by the acid from the bacteria that is causing the decay and forms a protective gel. This gel in turn provides a base or framework for the tooth to attract calcium and repair the damage - Totally pain-free!

While it sounds almost magical, the researchers maintain that the solution has not only been successful in the laboratory, but also, on a small group of adults whose teeth were showing initial signs of decay.

However, before you head for the candy jar, bear in mind that the researchers still have to conduct the tests on a larger group of people, which means that it will take at least another three years before your dentist can toss the drill and re-create your pearly whites with this magical solution.

Resources: gizmag.com, leeds.ac.uk

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177 Comments
  • Maciek S.over 13 years
    I really enjoyed this article because now people wont be afraid to go to the dentists office. I would reccomend this article to a person who is afraid of going to the dentists office.
    • Anthony Linover 13 years
      I think that the scientist that thought this up was very smart. And it will be very cooll to not use the drill for cavities. And the person that made this helped us childrennot have touse the drill when we get cavites! And I realy like this article.
      • Vanessa Lover 13 years
        I really liked this article. I've never got a cavity before, but I would not want to have one because of the drill. I am glad they found a new tool because kids like me and you are scared of getting a cavity removed. Well, I certainly would be! Because of this scary drill. But now, there is a new tool that is not as scary. It's very intersting...
        • Katie T.over 13 years
          I ment to add on the last one I like the new "magical'' tool.
          • Katie T.over 13 years
            Cavities + dentist equals drill. Ive never got a cavity before, but I know that I dont want 1 because THE DRILL. Once I went to the dentist and i heard the other room next store crying and THE DRILL. ''You do not wan to get THE DRILL Mandy''. After that experience I dont want to get THE DRILL, so I brush my teeth well. ( you do to)
            • zazaeover 13 years
              wow sooooo cool!! I've had my teeth drilled before. not fun!!!!
              • crystalwater
                crystalwaterover 13 years
                wow that's pretty cool i'll tell my friend she get's cavities a lot
                • James L.over 13 years
                  I did enjoy this article. I'm glad dentists found a new way to get rid of cavities and make your teeth whiter. I would recommend this article to a person with not so good teeth. But I would recommend this article in a nice way so they wouldn't get offended.
                  • brockover 13 years
                    I would definitely send this to a friend. Because if he had dental problems I would tell him about it. Because I do not like smelly breath and gross teeth. That is exactly why I like the article. Because I can use it too.
                    • ginaover 13 years
                      i have had my teeth drilled before it is not fun thats why that is very exiting to do