The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Chulalongkorn University recently announced a groundbreaking development in oral healthcare. This innovation results from collaborative efforts between the Assistive Technology and Medical Devices Research Center (A-MED) of NSTDA and the Faculty of Dentistry at Chulalongkorn University.
Together, they unveiled a remarkable product called nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste designed for children. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and scientific expertise, the researchers have developed a product that addresses the specific needs of children’s dental health.
The objective behind this new toothpaste is to promote oral health among Thai individuals and strengthen the overall healthcare industry in Thailand. The nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste has been carefully formulated to facilitate the remineralisation and restoration of tooth enamel.
Tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth, is constantly subjected to wear and tear due to factors like poor oral hygiene, sugary diets, and bacterial activity. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and other dental problems. The nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste aims to combat these issues, ultimately enhancing oral health.
Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that constitutes a significant portion of the tooth enamel. The researchers have harnessed its remarkable remineralisation properties by formulating a toothpaste with nano-sized hydroxyapatite particles.
Prof Pornchai Jansisyanont, the Dean of Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Dentistry, provided insights into the mechanism of nano-hydroxyapatite. When applied, the nano-hydroxyapatite breaks down into calcium and phosphate ions, which then adhere to the enamel surface, resulting in the remineralisation of tooth enamel. By leveraging this fundamental concept, toothpaste has been developed to prevent dental caries, transforming research findings into a commercially viable product.
The research and collaboration between A-MED and Chulalongkorn University are driven by the fact that over 50% of Thai children experience cavities due to inadequate dental hygiene. This collaboration aims to tackle early-stage caries and prevent oral health issues by leveraging A-MED’s expertise in nano-hydroxyapatite synthesis and Chulalongkorn University’s knowledge in dental medicine. The goal is to develop effective solutions to improve oral health and combat dental problems in Thai children.
The successful development of the nano-hydroxyapatite synthetic process has several benefits, such as, it enables the local production of this vital compound used in medical implants, reducing the need for imports and enhancing access to medical devices.
According to Dr Dusit Nantanapiboon, the Director of Chulalongkorn University Dental Material Research and Development Center, the research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste’s effectiveness in preventing dental caries and its cytotoxicity. The results revealed that the developed toothpaste exhibited lower toxicity to cells than general toothpaste available in the market.
Moreover, performance tests demonstrated that the enamel surface became stronger and smoother after consistent use of the nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste for 15 days. This toothpaste is suitable for children and older individuals during the teething phase.
The product is currently undergoing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration, and commercial production is anticipated to commence later this year.
This project not only serves to improve the oral health of Thai children but also aims to bolster the Thai healthcare industry. By fostering collaboration between the NSTDA and Chulalongkorn University, it showcases the country’s commitment to scientific research, innovation, and developing locally manufactured healthcare products. The nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste represents a significant step forward in advancing oral healthcare practices within Thailand.
