Science and technology have really come long way. The once nefarious and time-consuming procedures now only take a few minutes to perfect. The dental office, that once housed some of the most ghastly tools to treat simple dental maladies, has now become a foyer for aesthetic configurations.

A new advancement in dentistry, as purported by Dr. Nadia Benkirane-Jessel, a scientist at the Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, will revolutionize the way dentists treat cavities and tooth decays. This “regenerative gel” or “thin film” contains a melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which has the ability to regenerate decayed teeth – to the point of full restoration. The gel is intended to be dabbed in the surface/crevice of the decayed portion of the tooth. The gel has been tested on lab mice and yielded positive results. The only problem with the prototype is that it will take some time for the gel’s regenerative power to set in, as it was originally intended for use on smaller subjects that don’t salivate as much as we do. It has also not been disclosed if fluid substances can wear the gel away.

Dr. Benkirane-Jessel made it clear that the gel will only be limited in treating slight tooth decay. The gel has also NOT been designed to “prevent” tooth decay, meaning people will still have to make the most out of their daily brushing/flossing regimen.

Other than that, we are sure that the regenerative gel is being thoroughly improved through clinical trials and continuous lab research. We can only hope that in the next decade that the gel will be made commercially available so we ourselves can administer a full restorative treatment on any decaying tooth. Academic funding for the project will ensure that, in the near future, we could only see lesser instruments placed on the dental tray.

Tooth decay has affected more than 92% of US adults ages 20-64. A staggering 23% of the adult population has left their dental caries unattended, leading the infection to worsen over time. The main reason why people do not go see the dentist regularly is mainly due to poor financial conditions or the lack of information about dental conditions. People from underdeveloped countries are more likely to lose teeth because of tooth decay and related conditions.

While the future revolutionary standard in treating tooth decays is being perfected, international dental organizations should focus on regulating the costs of dental treatments in third world countries, particularly in Africa, the Middle East and in Asia. The government should also do its part on not only informing the public, but also regulating the fees dentists charge their patients. When dental maladies like tooth decay and cavities become untreated, they lead to pain, which commensurate to unproductiveness, leading the country to an even more tumultuous state.

Information is not enough. The public is hard-headed on proper oral hygiene – we know that for a fact. What the concerned bodies should do is constantly innovate to the benefit of the masses, particularly in reducing costs absorbed by the patient.

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