Imagine if we could reverse cavities before they worsen — and avoid a painful and costly visit to the dentist.

Researchers at the University of Washington are developing a new cure for cavities, transforming dental care and tackling this growing health concern.

It’s possible thanks to the support of the Washington State Life Sciences Discovery Fund, the Dean and Margaret Spencer Endowed Clinical Research Fund (created in 1982 to provide visionary funding for future clinical research in restorative dentistry), and other federal and private funds.

Rebuilding tooth enamel

Led by Dr. Mehmet Sarikaya, professor of materials science and engineering, chemical engineering and oral health sciences, a UW research team has developed a way to rebuild tooth enamel, with the potential to cure cavities in their early stages. Taking inspiration from the body’s natural tooth-forming proteins, the UW team created a product that remineralizes teeth: It adds new layers of enamel.

Sami Dogan, associate professor of restorative dentistry and co-author of the research findings, explains that oral bacteria eat sugars and excrete lactic acid — “and acid, as a byproduct, will demineralize the dental enamel.” In fact, demineralization is the origin of many dental ailments.

By capturing the essence of amelogenin — a protein crucial to forming the hard crown enamel — the researchers were able to design a new product using peptides, chains of amino acids that will bind onto tooth surfaces, recruit calcium and phosphate ions, and restore the mineral structure found in native tooth enamel.

More effective than fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash in rebuilding and strengthening enamel, this new technology can be used in both over-the-counter and clinical products — toothpastes, gels, solutions and composites — as a safe, cost-effective alternative to existing dental procedures and treatments, particularly for repairing early-stage cavities. It’s anticipated to be recommended for daily use by adults and children as part of a preventive dental care routine.

What’s more, the newly formed mineral layer also whitens the teeth. The team, in partnership with some of the biggest players in the oral care consumer products market, is working on prototypes for preventive, restorative, therapeutic and cosmetic dental products.

A more accessible cure

Over the past half-century, brushing and flossing have significantly reduced the impact of cavities for many Americans; good oral hygiene is the best prevention. But cavities still affect people of all ages, and some socioeconomic groups suffer disproportionately from this disease. And, according to recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the overall prevalence of dental cavities is on the rise.

While tooth decay is relatively harmless in its earliest stages, once the cavity progresses through the tooth’s enamel, it can cause serious health concerns. Left untreated, decay can lead to an infected tooth, tooth loss and even a systemic, life-threatening infection. The direct and indirect costs of treating cavities and related diseases are a huge economic burden for individuals and health-care systems.

“As a dental faculty member, I’m not satisfied with the old drill-and-fill model,” says Dogan. “Here, we’re using natural materials to address a global oral health issue.”