Enhancing the benefits and effectiveness of Novamin for dentine hypersensitivity and remineralisation of dental tissues

牙齿过敏症影响约30%的人口。这个问题源于牙釉质脱落或牙本质小管暴露于口腔环境。治疗可以通过使用含有活性成分的牙膏来进行，这些活性成分封闭牙本质小管，防止刺激物转移到牙齿的神经。这些活性成分还在任何暴露的牙本质上提供保护层，并提供一系列可以提高组织矿化水平的元素。在与葛兰素史克的合作中，博士将研究增强其目前治疗敏感性牙膏配方的上述三种有益效果的方法。候选人将有机会在项目期间接受一系列表征和成像技术的培训。该项目将使用纳米力学和纳米摩擦学测试来确定和比较牙膏形成的不同保护层，以及一些材料表征技术来识别影响层性能的变量。此外，该项目还将使用一系列成像技术，包括连续块面扫描电子显微镜，以观察小管阻塞和活性成分渗透到小管中的水平，以及治疗引起的矿化变化水平。透射电子显微镜也将用于识别影响矿化变化的关键元素以及它们如何与组织结合。

Tooth hypersensitivity affects around 30% of the population. This issue originates due to enamel loss or gun recession and the exposure of dentine tubules to the oral environment. Treatment is possible through the use of toothpastes containing active ingredients which occlude the dentine tubules preventing the transfer of stimuli to the nerves of the tooth. These active ingredients also provide a protective layer over any exposed dentin and provide a range of elements which can enhance the level of mineralisation of the tissue. In partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, the PhD will investigate methods of enhancing the three afore mentioned beneficial effects of their current sensitivity treating toothpaste formulation. The candidate will have the opportunity to be trained to use a range of characterisation and imaging techniques during the project.The project will use nanomechanical and nanotribological testing to determine and compare the different protective layers formed by the toothpastes as well as a number of material characterisation techniques to identify the variables affecting the layers performance. In addition the project will use a range of imaging techniques including Serial block face scanning electron microscopy to look at the level of tubule occlusion and penetration of the active ingredients into the tubules, as well as the level of mineralisation change due to the treatment. Transmission electron microscopy, will also be used to identify the key elements effecting the mineralisation change and how they have integrated with the tissue.