Game changers in dentistry

Periodontitis, a global health crisis impacting up to half of the world’s population, frequently goes unnoticed owing to its asymptomatic nature. To tackle this serious gum disease, researchers propose the adoption of an aMMP-8 rapid test, comparable to home pregnancy and covid antigen tests. Additionally, Finnish scientists have introduced a groundbreaking antibacterial, light-activated oral health enhancer designed for home use, with the potential to revolutionise oral care and plaque control.

Untreated periodontitis, impacting tooth-supporting tissues, heightens the body’s chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, linking it to diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, Alzheimer’s, and even pancreatic cancer. Low-grade systemic inflammation is a condition where the body responds to irritation by releasing mediators. The sustained inflammation this causes, while considered ‘mild’, can become harmful to the body over time.