Stronger Fillings, Happier Kids: New Bioactive Material to Treating Caries

Tooth decay remains a major health concern for people of all ages, but children are especially at risk. This is because baby teeth (also called primary teeth) have thinner enamel and dentine layers, making it easier for cavities to spread quickly. Children may also struggle with effective brushing, increasing their risk of decay.

To treat cavities in children, dentists often use a material called glass ionomer cements (GICs). GIC is well-suited for young patients because it is easy to use, doesn’t require the tooth to be completely dry during placement, and bonds directly to the tooth without needing a separate adhesive. It also releases fluoride, which helps protect teeth from further decay. These qualities make GIC a great option for children, especially those who may have trouble sitting still for longer procedures.

However, GICs are not very strong, which limits their durability in load-bearing areas like molars. To enhance their performance, this project introduces a promising approach by reinforcing GICs with a novel bioactive component. This reinforcement has the potential to improve mechanical strength and flexibility while providing bioactivity, including calcium ion release, thereby supporting the natural repair of tooth structure.

This research aims to develop a new bioactive GIC to create stronger, longer-lasting fillings that also help teeth heal. By combining improved mechanical strength with biological benefits, this innovation could lead to more effective, child-friendly treatments, resulting in fewer repeat visits and, ultimately, happier kids.