Smart Peptide Therapy for Management of Dental Caries in Children

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the most prevalent ongoing health issue affecting New Zealand children. By age five, around 41% of tamariki already have decay in their baby teeth, and by age twelve nearly a third still carry cavities into their pre-teen years. Because baby teeth are softer and thinner than adult teeth, they are more vulnerable to damage from acids produced by plaque-forming bacteria. When these bacteria feed on sugars in the mouth, they create an acidic environment that draws out essential minerals from the teeth.

Many families put off or skip dental visits due to fear of drilling and filling and the high costs involved. Small, easily treated early lesions can then develop into deeper decay, causing pain and potentially affecting speech, eating and a child’s confidence. Preventing cavities before they require drilling would dramatically reduce anxiety, expense and stress for both children and their whānau.

Our team has developed a pH-responsive smart peptide "GA-TH" that activates only in acidic environments to kill harmful bacteria without harming human cells. We have also attached a gallic acid moiety to boost enamel remineralisation making it a dual action therapy. We aim to produce a clear, brush-on dental varnish - like nail polish - that can be applied pain free in schools or community centres. This non-invasive, cost-effective, child-friendly solution offers an early-intervention strategy to stop tooth decay before it starts.