The Key to Stopping Bone Loss

Researchers have narrowed down the culprits in bone loss to a protein known as adseverin. This protein is a driving force in oral inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis and gum disease. Finally being able to understand how this part of the equation works will allow dentists to formulate better treatments for patients.
The Problem with Big Bone Cells
First, let us look at how bone loss in conditions such as periodontitis happens. Gum disease causes inflamed gums, which produce larger osteoclasts – bone cells. These large bone cells actually cause damage as they form on the surface of bones such as teeth. This is because once they attach themselves to bone, they secret an enzyme that chews on the material, causing the tooth to loosen.
The larger the bone cells become, the more efficient they are at resorbing the bones they are attached to. These are all known facts, but before the discovery of Adseverin, scientists were unsure of why inflammation created large osteoclasts.
In order to find the answers, the researchers took a closer look at how the body responded to gum inflammation. When the body is under attack, the body activates cells to fight the infection; some of these cells release chemicals known as cytokines. The team found that cytokines were the chemicals that spurred the production of Adseverin, which in turn created the large bone cells.
Targeting Adseverin
Adseverin is a relatively rare protein within the body, and very few cells excrete it at levels significant enough to cause any kind of significant effect. This fortuitous set of circumstances makes it easier from a treatment standpoint to target for study. Studies that target Adseverin specifically can lead to the development of more effective drugs that can treat gum disease in ways that were not possible prior to the discovery of the protein and its effects.
If you are looking for a dental office that makes it a point to stay up to date on the latest developments in the industry, contact us today. Our treatments specifically target the cause of the oral condition our patients endure. This way we can get to the source and be able to solve the problem on the first try.