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Research
X-ray tomography of molar teeth at La Trobe University has helped develop 3D representations, leading to glass models that can replicate how food is trapped, and how simple, more effective tooth care can block food access. ie. chewing sealant enhanced cheese before eating carbohydrate-rich foods such as sugar confectionery. These sealants block food access into pit and fissure developmental faults in chewing surfaces where 80% of cavities occur and brushing can't reach.
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SupertoothNDK Inc. is dedicated to research in order to enable better oral health outcomes and improve the lives of all Australians. The introduction of artificially fluoridated drinking water in Australia provided a dramatic drop in the incidence of tooth decay, however in the 2012-14 survey, the total number of cavities began to increase for children in 1999. It has fluctuated up and down twice since 2006 and as of 2012-2014 is back down to the levels of 2000. We don't know why. although the increased popularity of bottled water may have some bearing.
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Data Collection: By gathering and storing the dental status of each person via their visits to a dentist, a picture may be built of the nations dental health at any particular point in time. By storing the data in a historical format, observers will be able to assess the direction of dental health within the population in addition to the overall response to any initiatives designed to bring about oral health improvements.
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The Tooth Fairy Project: Via our use of the Australian Synchrotron we measure the pits and fissures in teeth where 80% of all decay develops. We hope to determine why some individuals have faults in these teeth and some do not.
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Additional Research: It is important to understand the dynamics of how food is trapped inside pits and fissures in order to make informed decisions about tooth care. At La Trobe University, with the help of Dr. Bernadeta Ahrtari, we have measured the developmental faults in molar teeth using 3D X-ray tomography. This has enabled the development of glass models of fissures that replicate how food is trapped and displaced under chewing pressure. These glass models will help identify the most effective food formulations, like cheese to chew before eating, to prevent food from being trapped, that can neutralize acid, or can aid in *remineralisation. [the natural repair process for teeth in which calcium, phosphate and sometimes fluoride ions are deposited into crystal voids in demineralised enamel. Remineralisation can contribute towards restoring strength and function within the tooth structure.]
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