Unsightly Gum Disease After-Effects

Friday 5th February 2010

Gum disease is something which affects over a third of the entire population, and it can leave people with their gums having retracted and wobbly teeth. However, researchers in Australia believe they could have pioneered a technique in which new cells are grown to help build the gums back up to their original stature using stem cells.

What people don’t realise is that absolutely anyone can become a sufferer to gum disease, particularly if they don’t have good oral hygiene. Lifestyle features such as untreated diabetes, smoking, stress are just some of the many triggers that can increase the risk of gum disease. Not only that but it can affect anyone of any age, leaving them not only with an unsightly mouth but an unconfident smile. Until now, the research has been fully focused on achieving maximum growth for cells, using things such as stem cells and gum restoration to recover lost smiles. Lead researcher, Professor Saso Ivanovski of the Griffith Institute for Health and Medical Research explains how his research is now leading them towards transferring these harvested cells right to the root of the tooth.  His studies show so far that alongside periodontal repair, the cells can be grafted effectively and built up within six months.

When gum disease strikes even bringing the inflammation and infection under control isn’t always enough to save the sufferers gums and results in 10% of the worldwide population becoming victims to an advanced form of the disease. Therefore, the answer may not lie solely in prevention but after-care treatments such as the one Professor Ivanovski has developed. Additionally, his technique is hopefully to be adapted into improving other patients with injured tissues, e.g. skin grafts.

Find UK Dentists »

---

« Latest UK Health & Medical News Dentistry News »