Researchers at the University of São Paulo have developed artificial saliva as a mouthwash that may help protect teeth in people with head and neck cancer from developing severe tooth decay.

The product, made using the CANECPI-5 protein, which is extracted from sugarcane and altered under laboratory conditions, creates a protective “shield” over teeth.

This layer helps preserve enamel by defending it against acids that weaken tooth structure, including acids present in fruit juices, alcoholic drinks, and even those that come from the stomach. The findings were published in the Journal of Dentistry.

For many cancer patients, radiation therapy delivered near the mouth damages salivary glands, sharply reducing saliva production. Because saliva is essential for limiting harmful bacteria and maintaining oral health, this loss can lead to serious dental problems.

The project brought together scientists from several institutions, including the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil, the University of California in San Francisco in the United States, and

Yonsei University College of Dentistry in South Korea.

The work is part of the thematic project “Modulation of acquired pellicle to control dental mineral loss: unveiling mechanisms to make therapies possible”, which is coordinated by Professor Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf from FOB-USP.

In laboratory testing, the team applied a CANECPI-5 mouthwash once daily to small sections of animal teeth. The protein bound directly to enamel and significantly reduced demineralisation, the loss of calcium and phosphate that weakens teeth and leads to

cavities.

Results reported in the study indicate that CANECPI-5 works best when used alongside fluoride and xylitol. Under these conditions, the artificial saliva spray led to a marked reduction in bacterial activity and tooth demineralisation, a process in which teeth lose calcium and phosphate and become more prone to cavities.

In a remark, Natara Dias Gomes da Silva at FOB-USP, the first author of the study, stated, “We’ve developed a process in which CANECPI-5 binds directly to tooth enamel, helping to make teeth more resistant to the action of acids produced by bacteria.”

Professor Buzalaf added: “This is the first product that uses the concept of acquired pellicle [a thin protective layer that quickly forms on the tooth surface] to treat xerostomia, which is the sensation of a dry mouth caused by a lack of saliva.” We use substances that will reformulate the composition of the proteins that bind to the teeth.

“Artificial saliva improves the sensation of dry mouth and sores. This helps with discomfort and also combats bacteria. In some cases, the use of this type of product is only for a short time. In others, it’s permanent, because many individuals lose the ability to produce saliva.”

The findings are particularly important because people receiving treatment for head and neck cancer currently lack a dedicated product designed to prevent or treat the severe tooth decay that often appears after radiation therapy.

The researchers said a patent for the CANECPI-5 protein was filed several years ago, and the next major step is working with industry partners to scale up its production so the artificial saliva can be manufactured for wider use.

Within the Thematic Project, the researchers will continue trying to understand how CANECPI-5, already tested in multiple formats, including mouthwash, gel and as an orodispersible film, interacts with other substances. (Nigerian Tribune)