Recent research has involved a team looking for a new way of treating Periodontitis. Existing methods have limitations, and rarely provide long-term benefits. The researchers were able to create a dissolvable microneedle patch – which they believe has the potential to successfully treat periodontitis. These findings could have an enormous impact on the treatment of severe gum disease.
Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that has limited treatment options available. It is very common, and results in many people living in a state of oral discomfort.
Due to how common it is, scientists continue to try and find ways to treat the condition. Now, a research team has created a dissolvable microneedle patch that included medicine – which they believe could be helpful in treating periodontitis [1].
If this does indeed turn out to be successful, it could have a transformative effect on dentistry. But how does it work and what does it involve?
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a severe form of Gum Disease. Gum disease is an oral health condition which involves the gums becoming red, swollen and inflamed [2].
Having strong oral hygiene and avoiding unhealthy food and drink can help to protect against gum disease developing.
When left untreated, periodontitis can eventually cause bone loss, resulting in the requirement for a tooth to be extracted. Therefore, it has the potential to be very harmful.
Periodontitis is unfortunately very common. Research shows that approximately 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women aged 30 years or above have some level of periodontitis [3].
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from the University of California. Their findings have been published in the Med-X journal [1].
As a starting point, the researchers explained that periodontitis is caused by a disruption to the oral microbiome – which impacts bacteria levels in the mouth [1]. When bacteria levels in the mouth become imbalanced, problems can arise.
When bad bacteria outweighs good bacteria, ineffective immune responses occur, which can result in damage to surrounding gum tissues. Moreover, inflammation becomes common [1].
Current treatments – such as scaling and root planing – focus on removing harmful bacteria. However, the researchers point out that this approach neglects the importance of immune cell reactions in gum disease [1].
Therefore, the team wanted to see how they could stop bacterial growth whilst also controlling immune cells in a way that would suppress and lessen inflammation [1]. Combining these two areas would provide a robust approach to treating gum disease.
The team searched for small molecules which could serve the above purpose. Then, they theorized that a microneedle patch could be an effective way of administering the molecules [1].
The researchers found that a medicine named Azithromycin – a bifunctional antibiotic – was capable of meeting the requirements. Then, they created a dissolvable microneedle patch to provide delivery of the azithromycin to the tissues around the gums [1].
The team tested the administration of azithromycin via the patch. They found that inflammatory proteins were decreased, while anti-inflammatory proteins increased [1].
Therefore, the azithromycin proved to be very effective. Also, with the patch causing no irritation, it offered a safe method of administration.
The research team also explained that the patch was fast-dissolving, and the nanoparticles delivered by the patch are biodegradable [1]. As a result, there are a range of benefits.
Summary
The results of the research were very positive. Moreover, the standout finding of the research was the realization of azithromycin’s use in treating gum disease.
The dual action of azithromycin – in terms of lessening bacterial growth while controlling immune cells – is incredibly helpful for treating gum disease.
Therefore, the implication is that azithromycin could be used in the future as a central part of gum disease treatment. It certainly appears that it can have a positive impact.
The researchers did caution that further tests and research would be needed to solidify the findings. The hope is that further trials will provide positive results.
Overall, with periodontitis affecting so many people, any improvement in treatment options is welcomed. Azithromycin seems to have a very positive impact – it has the potential to transform the treatment of gum disease.
Thinking points…
[1] Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease. While gum disease cannot be entirely treated, there are ways of lessening problems. For example, root planing and scaling are two potential options. If you have gum disease, you could discuss potential options at your next dental check-up!
[2] Gum disease is avoidable! Having excellent oral hygiene is very important. But aside from this, attending regular dental appointments can be very helpful, as a dentist will be able to look for signs of gum disease and provide advice on your oral health. We recommend that you have a check-up at least once every six months. We suggest that you book an appointment now!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Zhang, X., Hasani-Sadrabadi, M. M., Dashtimighadam, E., et al. (2024). Dissolvable microneedle patch enables local delivery of immunomodulatory microparticles containing bifunctional molecules for periodontal tissue regeneration. Med-X. 2 (11). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44258-024-00023-5.
[2] NHS. (2022). Gum disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/. Last accessed: 17th August 2024.
[3] Eke, P. I., Thornton-Evans, G. O., Wei, L., Borgnakke, W. S., Dye, B. A., & Genco, R. J. (2018). Periodontitis in US Adults. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 149 (7): p576-588. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.04.023.
