A new treatment for periodontal diseases in form of a pill

Periodontal disease occurs when the plague from the tooth surface spreads to the gums and introduces bacteria which further leads to irritation, inflammation and destruction of tissues and bone that are supporting the teeth. Infection causes formation of pockets between the teeth and gums and this is what leads to the destruction of the tissues and the bones.

Between 8-12% of Americans suffer from severe form of periodontal disease that acquires complicated treatments like surgery to avoid teeth loss.

Researchers from the Rutgers University in New Brunswick announced a new treatment that will help destroy the bacteria and aid in healing and regeneration of the affected tissues and bones around the teeth.

They have introduced a polymer-based drug delivery system that is inserted in pockets between the teeth and the gum and reduce infection, inflammation and the pain that goes along. When the polymer is implanted, it starts to break down and introduce salicylic acid to relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation and three antimicrobials to inhibit the infection.

This evolutionary approach to treating gum disease will certainly find its place in periodontal therapy in the future. Tests are still being performed on animals to check for tissue reactions and the timeline of decomposition and drug release. It may take 2-3 years for human trials to take place when the drug should be officially approved by the FDA.