Method for Inhibiting Proteases in the Oral Cavity

Sensitive teeth, a condition which affects more than 45 million Americans each year, likely results from exposed dentinal tubules. A number of products have been developed that either occlude the exposed dentinal tubules or desensitize the nerves r esponsible for transmitting signals that the brain interprets as pain. Unfortunately, these products suffer from a number of drawbacks including but not limited to low pH, increased risk for developing kidney stones with long-term use, and/or are kn own poisons or carcinogens. Dentists at the University at Buffalo have found that gadolinium-based formulations possess a higher pH, have long safety records in humans, act to occlude dentinal tubules and inhibit mechanogated ion channels in nerve tissue. By inhibiting these ion channels, gadolinium may prevent the transmission of signals that the brain may interpret as pain. In addition, these formulations were found to inhibit bacterial proteases, which break down many important physiologi cal proteins in the host, a phenomenon that is common in periodontal disease. Gadolinium-based formulations appear to be the ideal next-generation product for the treatment of sensitive teeth and hold promise in the treatment of periodontal disease .

See also 6079 and 6244

Categories: Therapeutic and Vaccines, Healthcare

Type of Offer: Licensing



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