The dreadful buildup of bacteria is always an issue we are concerned about with our oral health. New research, however, suggests that there may be a new material out there that can help to fight gum diseases and prevent cavities! The material, graphene oxide, is known to be extremely effective at eliminating certain types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
This new study, published in the ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces Journal, found that although dentists are giving patients old-fashioned antibiotics that are aimed to eliminate bacteria buildup, there has been an increase in antibiotic resistance. However, if graphene oxide is preset, it has the potential to “thwart the growth of bacteria strain in them mouth without casing harm to patients.”
After continued research conducted at the Shanghai Natural Science Foundation and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the team took a deeper look at how exactly the material would react with the various bacteria types and gum diseases present in the mouth. The final research stated that “graphene oxide limited the growth of pathogens” by eliminating the bacterial “walls and membranes.” If this research is continued, the potential of using graphene oxide in dental care will be extremely useful for the future of oral health everywhere.
In the meantime, please take the time to visit your dentist regularly and take care of your oral health by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash regularly.