Periodontal disease affects millions of people each year and, as a result, the dental community is always on the hunt for new ways to prevent the onset of the oral condition.
Understanding how it occurs was part of the battle, but as scientists learn more about how bacteria come together to create the wreckage, a proper form of prevention becomes clearer.
Oral bacteria known as Treponema denticola is often part of the equation that results in periodontal disease. It gangs up with others types of pathogenic bacteria to produce the plaque, which ultimately leads to the uncomfortable and dangerous condition.
Researchers from the University of Bristol have found that a particular molecule on the Treponema is responsible for forming the bond with other bacteria. Referred to as CTLP, it bonds to other oral bacteria.
Among other issues, the CTLP connection can reduce blood clotting, thus resulting in the continuous bleeding of the gums associated with periodontal disease.
Though a treatment has not yet been devised, understanding that CTLP would be a perfect target for dental professionals to attack is a great starting point. A compound is currently being created with the purpose of inhibiting the CTLP.
While the majority of people will not require the preventative treatment being proposed, those at high risk of oral infections would make the ideal candidates for this new inhibitor and preventing the cooperation of bacteria could mean vastly reduced risk of problems in the future, including tooth loss.
For more information about this oral bacteria study and the continued work, continue reading the full article concerning periodontal disease.
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