Science Aspirin can reverse tooth decay and regenerate teeth

Will aspirin be used to treat dental problems in the future??
Many people take aspirin to fight their headaches, for example. Researchers now found that aspirin could reverse the effects of tooth decay. This effect would require fewer fillings in the future and a significant cost reduction in the healthcare system would be possible.

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast found in their study that taking aspirin may reverse tooth decay. So-called tooth decay is the most common disease of teeth worldwide. The experts published a press release on the results of their study.

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Disadvantages of synthetic fillings
Tooth decay leads to the destruction of the tooth structure, the formation of cavities and the subsequent inflammation of the tooth nerve, which then leads to toothache in those affected, explain the doctors. Dental decay causes huge costs for the healthcare system. The current treatment for tooth decay includes fillings in which dentists restore the lumen or hole using a synthetic material. This material does not resemble the natural tooth structure and must be replaced many times over the life of the tooth, say the experts.

Aspirin can help regenerate lost tooth structure
Researchers from Queen's University Belfast have discovered that aspirin may be an alternative solution to restore a tooth that is already in decline. The research findings will be presented at the British Society for Oral and Dental Research Annual Conference. Aspirin can improve the function of the stem cells present in teeth and thus support the self-repair through the regeneration of the lost tooth structure, explain the scientists.

Aspirin stimulates stem cells in the teeth
The experts combined genomics and novel bioinformatics to identify a drug with properties that stimulate the existing stem cells in the tooth, thus improving the regeneration of the damaged tooth structure. Her attention turned to aspirin. The treatment of low-dose aspirin-derived stem cells significantly increases mineralization and the expression of genes responsible for the formation of dentin is explained by the researchers. This hard tooth structure is usually damaged by the deterioration, the experts add.

Aspirin for the treatment of dental nerve inflammation?
This novel discovery, paired with the well-known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of aspirin, could be a unique solution to combat inflammation of the periodontics and pain, say the doctors. At the same time the natural tooth repair is promoted.

Aspirin is an innovative tooth repair solution
Aspirin has great potential to change the approach to one of the greatest dental challenges of today, explains author. El Karim. The initial research in the lab suggests that aspirin could provide an instant innovative solution that allows teeth to repair themselves, the expert adds.

For further studies, a suitable delivery system is needed
"Our next step will be to develop a suitable delivery system to test drug efficacy in a clinical trial," say the authors. This novel approach could not only increase the long-term survival of teeth, but also lead to major savings for the NHS and other healthcare systems worldwide, the researchers explain. (As)