Will grapes become a new weapon in the fight against caries?

Grapes contain a natural compound that strengthens the teeth and prevents caries. This was made known to the staff of the College of Dentistry from the University of Illinois in Chicago. Scientists claim that their new discovery can prevent the loss of teeth in many people. Also, grape seed extract can increase the strength of the seal, allowing it to last longer.

What is noteworthy is a by-product of the wine industry?

Usually, you throw away the seeds of grapes after consuming juicy berries. But the wine industry is a non-waste production. Extract of grape seeds, a by-product of wine production, has long been sold in health food stores. It is proved that it has a beneficial effect on improving the functions of the heart and circulation. And now the Chicago researchers have succeeded in revealing yet another useful function of the product. The natural compounds contained in the grape seed extract are able to prevent tooth loss, increasing the durability of composite fillings in patients of dental clinics. The standard service life of the fillings after tooth restoration by composite materials is usually not more than 5-7 years.

The essence of the discovery

Scientists have found that the extract of grape seeds strengthens the dentin - the bone substance of the tooth, which fills the cavity under the hard outer layer of the enamel. When the teeth are damaged, the seal materials can not provide a lasting adhesion to the bone tissue. But now for all patients who choose composite materials for dental restoration, there is good news. On the one hand, these seals have a more aesthetic appearance, but on the other hand, they can not compete in terms of operation with amalgam fillings, which serve the owner from 10 to 15 years (and even more). When the material lays unevenly on the damaged area, tissue decay begins around it. Before the Chicago dentists was the task to find substances that will help improve the adhesion between the composite seal and bone substance.

Most people are prone to tooth decay

Thus, adhesion during tooth filling can be changed by using new natural materials. According to the Foundation for Oral Health, one third of adults in developed countries have caries. More than four-fifths of the UK population has at least one seal. And as the caries progresses, the average number of seals in the inhabitants of the Foggy Albion reaches seven.

How does tooth decay destroy teeth?

Caries occurs if plaque accumulates in the oral cavity (in particular, around the teeth), the acid of which has a destructive effect. When you consume foods and drinks high in carbohydrates, bacteria that live in plaque turn sugar into energy. This contributes to their rapid reproduction. If you do not take good care of oral hygiene and get carried away with sweet food, acid destroys the tooth enamel, resulting in caries (small holes). In the event that you do not like to visit the dentist regularly, the acid begins to destroy the next layer of the tooth, dentin. As a result, large cavities appear in the teeth, and if you do not put the seal on time, you can lose most of the tooth.

How to prevent the destruction of dentin?

If caries is not seen as a big threat for you, then the destruction of the bone substance of the tooth is a more serious problem. Dentin consists of collagen, a structural protein of connective tissue. Researchers have found that damaged collagen can self-repair using flavonoids of a group of oligomeric proanthocyanidins. These herbal compounds can be found in many vegetables, but the grape seed extract can be considered a champion in their content. When dentists put a seal on the damaged tooth, the composite material should have good adhesion to the dentin. Some areas are difficult for restoration, which reduces the service life. If the dentin is still rich in collagen, it provides better adhesion and prevents moisture penetration. But now scientists have found a way to minimize tooth loss.