Oral Health and Function Innovation Forum

Proposed Solutions To Explore: Low-Tech to High-Tech

Low-Tech Solutions (Immediate Implementation)

1. Xylitol-Based Interventions

• Products: Mints, gum, candies, powder packets

• Dosage: 5-10g daily in divided doses

• Benefits: Reduces cavity-causing bacteria by up to 90%

• Potential cost: $0.50-1.00 per person per day

2. Enhanced Basic Hygiene Tools

• Finger-mounted silicone brushes: Better control, no sharp edges

• Bamboo toothbrushes: Biodegradable, sustainable

• Specialized tongue scrapers: Reduces bacteria by 40%

• Miswak sticks: Natural antibacterial chew sticks

3. DIY Oral Care Alternatives

• Salt water rinse stations: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

• Baking soda packets: Neutralizes acids

• Oil pulling packets: Single-serve coconut oil

• Green tea service: Polyphenols fight bacteria

4. Food-Based Interventions

• Cheese portions after meals: Neutralizes acids

• Crunchy vegetables: Natural tooth cleaners

• Probiotic yogurt: Balances oral microbiome

• Calcium-fortified foods: Supports remineralization

Medium-Tech Solutions (3-6 Month Implementation)

1. Nano-Hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) Products

• Toothpaste: Remineralizes deeper than fluoride

• Benefits: Can reverse early cavities, no toxicity concerns

• Evidence: NASA-developed, Japan-approved since 1993

• Cost: $9-19 retail (requires subsidy to match current prices)

2. UV Sanitization Systems

• Battery-powered toothbrush sanitizers: Kills 99.9% of bacteria

• Cycle time: 4-10 minutes

• Capacity: 4-5 toothbrushes per unit

• Cost: $20-50 per unit

• Effectiveness: Superior to chemical disinfection

3. Water Fortification Systems

• Calcium phosphate additives: 200-400mg/L

• Xylitol water stations: 0.5-1g per liter

• Benefits: Continuous passive remineralization

• Implementation: Requires plumbing modifications

High-Tech Solutions (6-12 Month Implementation)

1. Bioengineered Probiotics

• Streptococcus salivarius M18: Crowds out harmful bacteria

• Dosing: Once-weekly lozenge

• Duration: Month-long protection per dose

• Benefits: Creates self-sustaining healthy oral ecosystem

2. Smart Release Technology

• pH-triggered nanoparticles: Release calcium phosphate when needed

• Dissolvable films: 24-hour protection from single application

• Time-release formulations: Extended protection

3. Teledentistry Integration

• AI-powered screening kiosks: Early detection

• Intraoral cameras: Remote diagnosis capabilities

• Digital health records: Track population health

• Benefits: Early intervention, reduced emergency costs

Innovative Combination Products

"Smart Gum" Formulation

• Xylitol (1g) for bacteria control

• Nano-HAP for remineralization

• Calcium phosphate for mineral support

• Manufacturing cost: ~$0.10 per piece

Comprehensive Oral Health Pack

• Nano-HAP toothpaste tablets

• Xylitol mints (30-day supply)

• Miswak sticks

• Salt rinse packets

• Total cost: $5-10 per month