The world’s first dental vaccine could limit, or even replace, the need for gum surgery according to scientists from Melbourne, Australia. The breakthrough vaccination could work by stimulating the body’s own defenses to fight infection and reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria.
The team of Australian scientists have been working on the vaccine for almost fifteen years, alongside the biotech company CSL, who specialise in research, development and manufacture of medicines and vaccines to prevent serious conditions. The aim of this oral hygiene research and development was to produce a preventative medicine that could tackle periodontitis and general gum disease.
An article appeared in the NPJ Vaccines Journal earlier this week, which showed the findings of the prototype. The results suggested that it was extremely effective in triggering the natural human immune response to the bacteria Porphyromonas Gingivalis, and showed a neutralisation of this common culprit of bone and tissue loss. Scientists are hoping that a fully-fledged version of the vaccine could be available to the public within, as little as, a few years’ time. Not only would this be good news for overall health, considering it is linked to heart disease, dementia, and some cancers, but it would also mean that people would potentially need less invasive treatment from their dentist.