Dental News: A Plaque-Identifying Toothpaste And A Safe Whitener

Plaque HD is the first toothpaste that identifies plaque so that it can be removed with directed brushing, and the product’s proprietary formulation contains unique combinations and concentrations of cleaning agents that weaken the core of the plaque structure to help the subject visualize and more effectively remove the plaque. For decades, researchers have suggested a link between oral health and inflammatory diseases affecting the entire body because inflammation is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is accurately measured by hs-CRP, a sensitive marker for future risks of heart attacks and strokes.  

For the trial - published in the American Journal of Medicine - all randomized subjects were given the same brushing protocol and received a 30-day supply of toothpaste containing either Plaque HD or an identical non-plaque identifying placebo toothpaste. To assess hs-CRP, levels were measured by Quest Diagnostics using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. “The current findings are similar to those from our previous pilot trial,” says Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Dr.P.H., senior author, first Sir Richard Doll Professor, and senior academic advisor in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “Whether this plaque-identifying toothpaste decreases heart attacks or strokes requires a large-scale randomized trial of sufficient size and duration. These results provide a stronger rationale to conduct such trials. If positive, the results of these trials would have significant potential clinical and public health implications.”

Hennekens and colleagues at FAU and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health are drafting an investigator-initiated research grant proposal to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Their proposed randomized trial will test whether Plaque HD reduces progression of atherosclerosis in the coronary and carotid arteries, for which systemic inflammation is an important precursor. Prior research has suggested that periodontal disease may be connected to variety of other diseases, including heart disease and stroke and other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation throughout the body may be a crucial link between periodontal and other systemic diseases.

A Safe And Effective Way To Whiten Teeth

Researchers have now developed a new, less destructive method of whitening teeth compared to over-the-counter teeth-whitening treatments or having a dentist bleach them professionally. Currently, the most common bleaching agent is hydrogen peroxide, which steals electrons from the pigment molecules that cause teeth discoloration. This process can be sped up by exposing teeth to blue light, but high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can break down a tooth's enamel, causing sensitivity or cell death. The researchers wanted to see if a different blue-light-activated compound could be a safer, but still effective alternative.

They modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles with polydopamine - nano-TiO₂@PDA - so that they could be activated with blue light. In a proof-of-concept experiment, the nano-TiO₂@PDA particles were evenly coated on the surface of a tooth and irradiated with blue light. After four hours of treatment, the whitening level was similar to that obtained with hydrogen-peroxide-based agents. The group notes in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering that no significant enamel damage was found on the surface of the tooth, and the treatment was significantly less cytotoxic than hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the nano-TiO₂@PDA therapy showed antibacterial activity against certain bacteria.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

With over 30 years of writing and editing experience for newspapers, magazines and corporate communications, Kevin Kerfoot writes about natural health, nutrition, skincare and oral hygiene for Trusted Health Products’ natural health blog and newsletters.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.