Researchers Working on Prevention and Repair.

• Position: Dental procedures and supplies research - Brief Article

"Smart" fillings that prevent further tooth decay, toothpaste that strengthens and restores tooth minerals, and chewing gums and mouthwashes that reverse and "heal" early decay are under development at the American Dental Association Health Foundation's Paffenbarger Research Center, Gaithersburg, Md. Frederick C. Eichmiller, director of PRC, indicates that work is continuing on calcium phosphate cements (CPC) for repair of cranial defects, fractures, and periodontal (gum disease) bone loss. Studies have shown that CPC may be a good candidate for drug delivery systems to include "smart" filling materials to prevent decay from recurring around dental fillings and in adjacent teeth.

PRC scientists are working to develop other calcium phosphate-based technologies that can remineralize hard tooth tissues or, at a minimum, retard caries (decay)-producing demineralization. Studies have shown that an experimental chewing gum raises the level of enamel-forming minerals in plaque fluid, lowering the driving force for demineralization.

A laboratory study of a fluoride-releasing device that can be...