Painting teeth could keep fillings at bay

Bruxism can wear down the chewing surfaces of the teeth, among other things. Picture: xenia, morguefile.com

Bruxism can wear down the chewing surfaces of the teeth, among other things. Picture: xenia, morguefile.com

Published Mar 17, 2014

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London - Painting the teeth in a special solution may be a new way to spot early signs of tooth decay.

The process involves applying a solution that contains a protein which sticks to calcium compounds on the tooth surface.

These compounds are a sign of demineralisation, or softening, of the teeth, which can lead to decay. The solution emits a blue light that can be detected with a special camera — the stronger the light, the more compounds there are.

The camera then produces a “demineralisation map” of the tooth. The Calcivis Caries Activity Imaging System was developed in Britain and has now been approved for use. - Daily Mail

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