A new mouthwash formula that may provide long-term protection against tooth decay has been developed.

A team of experts has developed a novel drug delivery system to carry antimicrobial agents directly to teeth.

Their study was published in the November issue of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

The team was led by Dr Dong Wang, associate professor of pharmaceutical science in the at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Pharmacy.

Dr Dong Wang

Dr Wang's formulation binds to the tooth surface and gradually release antimicrobials against cavity-forming bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans.

He said: ‘The beauty of this design is the simplicity. All one may have to do is their routine oral hygiene procedure and then rinse with the formulation that we have developed. It could protect the teeth over a long period of time.'

‘The key is to have the antimicrobials stay where they are most needed – the tooth surface.'

Dr Wang's formulation could have many far-reaching implications – for the elderly in nursing homes who may not have a lot of access to dental care and for protection against an increased risk of heart disease.

For more information, visit UNMC's website at www.unmc.edu.