Use green tea to protect against sensitivity.

Scientists have developed a protective material that uses the active polyphenol present in green tea. We are talking about epigallocatechin-3-gallate.

To date, the existing methods of treating tooth sensitivity are not very effective. However, researchers have developed a new material that will help protect against excessive tooth sensitivity. For this, green tea polyphenols were used.

Often, people who have a problem with tooth sensitivity refuse food or liquids that are too hot or cold because they are associated with severe pain. Sensitivity is caused by erosion that attacks the protective layer of the enamel. This destroys the next layer of the bone tissue of the tooth - dentin.

Dentin contains small hollow tubules through which hot or cold fluid flows directly to the nerves, causing severe pain. In addition, people who have tooth sensitivity are exposed to bacteria. For the most part, the current methods of treatment are associated with occlusion, closure of micro-channels with the help of nanohydroxyapatite. However, this material does not have sufficient resistance, it is not able to block bacteria from entering the tooth.

Therefore, the scientists set a goal for themselves - to create a "universal biomaterial" for which nanohydroxyapatite will be used, but with an addition in the form of a compound from green tea.

The compound refers to epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which is a constituent of green tea. The scientists succeeded in encapsulating this mixture in mesoporous silicon dioxide nanoparticles (MSN). Due to its mesoporosity, the material is often used as a drug carrier. As noted by the authors, they chose MSN because of its unique resistance to bacteria that induce acid. In addition, MSN has a high mechanical strength.

Using the technique - confocal laser scanning microscopy, the researchers tested the ability of the developed biomaterial to block the formation of biofilm, which often covers dentin. In addition, biological analyzes and tests for cytotoxicity of the pulp tissue were carried out.

Studies have shown that the new biomaterial successfully blocks microtubules and reduces dentinal permeability. Accordingly, the material has been shown to resist erosion and abrasion. In addition, there is protection against biofilm formation.