Dentistry Today: Fight Tooth Decay with Electricity

Isracast: New device fights tooth decay with electricity

The Israeli company Fluorinex Active has developed a new technology for fighting tooth decay. The company is currently working on a small device which together with a gel will impose an efficient ion exchange process through an Electro-chemical reaction in which fluor ions displace the Hydroxide ions at the outer layer of the tooth. This is intended to produce a new mineral layer with significantly improved chemical and physical resistance to the aggressive bacteria and the resulting acidic environment in the mouth.

The technology uses an existing fluoride-based gel along with a device which produces a small electric current (6-9 volt, at low amperage) to achieve activation of the teeth that will enable the formation of a genuine electrolyte when activated. This in turn enhances the fluor ion attraction to the teeth and its exchange that transforms into a highly resistant and protective mineral layer.

Flap suspects there is more involved in dental disease/caries control than hardening the outer enamel layer through a plating method for better acid resistance. And on an epidemiological scale this technology would be difficult in a public health setting.

But, nevertheless and interesting development that bears watching…….

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