Sunny Health

Good news to those of us who have some form of decay on our teeth; that means, almost all of us! A new chemical that could encourage cells in the dental pulp to heal small holes, is currently undergoing tests with positive results. According to the science journal Science Reports, the process works by soaking a biodegradable sponge in the drug (called Tideglusib) and placing it in the tooth cavity. This then encourages the damaged tooth to repair itself.

All hail the tooth fairies, I mean, the research team from King’s College London for this amazing discovery.

The team is hopeful that the drug would be commercially available in three to five years time.

Which means that during this period, we still mustn't let our guard down.


We use our teeth on a daily, regular basis. Any food and drinks we consume (except maybe water with fluoride) have the potential to cause tooth decay or cavities. Coupled with poor maintenance and oral hygiene, this is a sure-route down the path of no return. As the body is not equipped to repair the teeth, the only way to seal it up and prevent further decay in the tooth is through tooth fillings. Not doing so can result in further decay and ultimately tooth aches, and the tooth will have to be removed.

Tooth fillings aren't intrusive, but they don't come cheap, and after some years, they have to be replaced. So it is ideal if you can avoid the necessity of having them at all, and all that needs is good oral hygiene. This means doing the following:

1) Brush your teeth two times a day, after meals.

2) Floss your teeth everyday. This is a must. Not flossing your teeth is akin to not taking a bath. In fact, flossing your teeth can be said to be more important than brushing your teeth! If you're in a situation whereby you can't brush your teeth, you must at least floss it. 

3) Shortly after snacking or drinking anything (aside from water), rinse your mouth or gargle with water. Even better, floss. Fruits and vegetables increase saliva flow and these are typically good for your teeth. But still, it also depends on the preparation method. If you had fruits with chocolate fondue, you most definitely need to get all that sugar out. If in doubt, just gargle water and rinse.

4) You may wish to invest in mouth wash if you have trouble brushing your teeth. However, I have been told by my dentist that too much mouth wash may not be good in the long run due to the alcohol components inside it.

5) Visit the dentist at least twice a year to get professional cleanings and oral examinations for early signs of problems. Some people may have health conditions that impact on their oral health, and thus these people may require additional help with their oral hygiene. If you are a CHAS card holder or Pioneer Generation Card holder, some dental clinics will provide subsidised treatments. Visit the CHAs website for the list of participating dentists.

Until the tooth fairies deliver, hang in there and hold the fort!