The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has found a solution in the gallic acid secreted from the marine invertebrate as a way to cure toothaches, a first-of-its-kind in the world.
The gallic acid from sea squirts can be effective against toothaches.
In the water, with a strong current and full of algae, sea squirts can survive even when their tissue has been cut or wounded. This is because of the gallic acid they secrete, a chemical compound that helps them heal cuts and wounds in just a couple of hours.
Taking advantage of this same principle, a recent study found that combining gallic acid from the sea squirt with metal ions could provide a good cure to toothaches. Results found that a coating could be administered to the painful teeth and that the pain would be eased in just a few minutes.
This new treatment applies a coating over the dentin that causes the pain, blocking any nerve stimulus. It also boosts teeth health by combining with the calcium and the saliva and then producing a bony component that helps to bring damaged teeth back to health.
Dentists currently rely on two treatments: toothpastes with potassium ion and a method whereby they apply a tooth-colored resin over the lower section of the teeth so that it can’t be exposed to external stimuli. However, these two methods have their own downsides. The potassium-ion toothpaste can ease the pain only temporarily, while the resin coating is likely to be rubbed off when eating or brushing your teeth.
Prof. Hwang Dong-su from Pohang University of Science and Technology, who led the research team, said, “Gallic acid can be found easily, not only in sea squirts, but also in tree bark and herbs, too. This new cure can be a real money-saver in terms of medical expenses and it can be safe to swallow, as well.”
When an exposed dentin causes pain, a new treatment uses gallic acid to coat the exposed surface, relieving the toothache.
By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Jeon Han, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
jiae5853@korea.kr
