Study: Graphene Oxide may help fight cavities, perio disease

LOS ANGELES - March 13, 2015 - PRLog -- CALABASAS, Calif. — A material called graphene oxide may be the next effective tool in combating cavities or periodontal disease.

Researchers in China say that graphene can eliminate cariogenic bacteria, some of which have developed antibiotic resistance, according to a February study in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

According to DrBicuspid.com, the scientists say that most dentists often prescribe traditional antibiotics to get rid of bacteria that cause cavities or periodontal disease, which may lead to tooth loss.

Previous studies suggest that graphene oxide - carbon nanosheets studded with oxygen groups – looks to be a promising material that can be used in biomedical applications.

Researchers say it can inhibit growth of some bacterial strains with minimal harm to human cells.

The scientists wanted to see if the graphene would stop the specific bacteria that cause dental diseases.

They tested the material against three different species of bacteria that are linked to caries or periodontal disease: Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Graphene oxide destroyed the bacterial cell walls and membranes and effectively slowed the growth of the pathogens.

The researchers concluded that the nanosheets could have potential uses in dental care.

Dr. Greg Rubin of the Calabasas Dental Institute said the findings look promising.

“With the rise in antibiotic resistance, it becomes more difficult to treat cavities or periodontal disease and new approaches become vital,’ he said.

“However, as with any new medical advancement, I feel more research is needed before any dental applications are put into practice.”

The Calabasas Dental Institute is located at 4764 Park Granada #107, Calabasas, CA 91302; (818) 224-2420.

Using the latest in high-tech digital technology, this group of dental experts and specialists provide first rate personalized service in all aspects of cutting edge general and cosmetic dentistry. A sleep apnea treatment center, which offers the most advanced oral treatments on the market, is also conveniently located on the premises. Doctors at the Calabasas Dental Institute, which is the first dental office in Southern California to accept Bitcoin as payment,  have pioneered some of the leading technologies in the treatment of bad breath and operate a one-stop bad breath treatment facility at the Calabasas location. For their innovation, they have been recognized nationally as leading experts in bad breath treatment by HealthTap.com, which ranked the group #1 among other health experts in the field. For more information, please visit CalabasasDentalInstitute.com.