Dreaded trips to see your dentist could be replaced with a vaccine to prevent tooth decay in the future, researchers predict.
The jab, developed by Chinese scientists, offers a dose of proteins that are effective at removing build-ups of plaque responsible for cavities.
Early trials show it to be 64 per cent effective – meaning people would still have to brush their teeth twice a day to avoid a trip to the dentist’s chair.
It offers hope of a ‘fantastic’ answer for preventing or even reversing cavities, which strike a third of adults, according to figures.
The researchers said the vaccine would be welcomed in Western countries, where teeth-rotting sugar is consumed heavily.
The jab, developed by Chinese scientists, offers a dose of proteins that are effective at removing build-ups of plaque responsible for cavities
But the team at the Wuhan Institute of Virology said the jab is several years away from undergoing clinical tests. However, experts are excited.
What do the experts think?
Dr Richard Marques, a Harley Street dentist, told MailOnline: ‘This sounds like a fantastic development in dentistry.
‘Preventing tooth decay through vaccination would totally change the dental situation of many children and adults around the world.
‘Dental decay is such a problem and a drain on healthcare resources so this has the potential to transform dental healthcare.’
It works by using proteins from the bacteria Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) – which is the main cause of dental cavities.
They are then fused together with proteins derived from strains of E. coli bacteria, Science Alert reports.
Previous studies had shown this combination to be effective in protecting against cavities, but produced unwanted side effects.
How does it work?
The new vaccine is fused together with a third protein, derived from flagella proteins – cells that help the combination to move around.
The prototype vaccine, which produced fewer side effects, was administered as a nasal spray in laboratory tests on rodents.
Writing in the journal Scientific Reports, the researchers found it offered a similar amount of the protection as the initial vaccine.
The vaccine had a 64.2 per cent prophylactic efficacy – its ability to clean teeth. It also reversed tooth decay by 53.9 per cent, the researchers noted.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said: ‘Any realistic scientific development which could help reduce the impact of tooth decay is welcome.
‘This study shows initial promise, however, there may be a substantial wait, involving clinical trials before anything can be rolled out at a patient level.’
A spokesperson for the British Dental Association said: ‘The research sounds interesting but I think we’re still a long way off from having a vaccine that overrides the harmful effects of a sugary diet on our teeth.
‘For now, it’s best to stick to the proven methods of reducing our risk of tooth decay.
Dr Rob Wain, medical director of Newcastle’s Dovetail Dental, said: ‘This sort of vaccine has always been seen as a sort of dental Holy Grail, as it can help reduce pain and suffering for millions.’
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay can occur when acid is produced from bacteria-ridden plaque, which builds up on your teeth.
When sugary foods and drinks are consumed the carbohydrates into energy they need, producing acid at the same time.
If the plaque is allowed to build up, the acid can begin to break down the surface of your tooth, causing holes known as cavities.
The cavity begins to eat away at the second level of tooth material that lies beneath the enamel: the dentin. Fillings are often to stop the onslaught.
Around seven million fillings are provided in the NHS each year in England alone, estimated to cost around £3.4 billion.