New toothpaste targets gum disease while preserving beneficial mouth bacteria
First targeted approach to periodontitis prevention that preserves beneficial oral microbiota; toothpaste now available from PerioTrap.
Scientists at Fraunhofer have developed a new toothpaste that stops periodontitis by blocking only the harmful bacteria responsible for the disease, while leaving the mouth's beneficial microbiome intact. The compound, guanidinoethylbenzylamino imidazopyridine acetate, prevents the growth of pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis rather than killing all bacteria indiscriminately, allowing beneficial microbes to occupy niches and restore balance naturally.
Why conventional treatments fail
Traditional oral care products such as alcohol-based mouthwashes and chlorhexidine solutions kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria. After treatment, the oral microbiome must rebuild from scratch, but harmful bacteria often regain dominance quickly because they thrive in inflamed gum tissue while beneficial bacteria grow more slowly. This imbalance, called dysbiosis, allows periodontitis to return. The human mouth contains over 700 types of bacteria, but only a small number cause gum disease.
Development and testing
The technology was developed through an EU-funded research project and commercialized by PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH, founded in 2018 in Halle. Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI conducted extensive biochemical and structural studies to ensure the compound blocked harmful bacteria effectively while remaining safe for daily use. The toothpaste also contains abrasives and fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Testing followed Good Laboratory Practice standards and included scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis to evaluate compatibility with teeth and gums. Beyond toothpaste, the team has developed a gel for use after professional cleanings, with a mouthwash and additional products in development.
Frequently asked questions
How does the new toothpaste differ from traditional mouthwash and chlorhexidine products?
Traditional products kill all bacteria indiscriminately, forcing the microbiome to rebuild and allowing harmful bacteria to regain dominance. The new toothpaste blocks only harmful pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis, allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive and maintain balance naturally.
What is the active compound in the new toothpaste?
The active ingredient is guanidinoethylbenzylamino imidazopyridine acetate, a substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing bacteria rather than killing them outright. It was developed by researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI.
When will the new toothpaste be available for purchase?
PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals has already commercialized the toothpaste, which is designed to prevent periodontitis while containing abrasives and fluoride to prevent tooth decay. A gel for use after professional cleanings is also available.
What other oral care products are being developed?
Beyond toothpaste and the post-cleaning gel, PerioTrap is developing a mouthwash and other oral care solutions. Researchers are also exploring potential use in veterinary care for dogs and cats, which can suffer from gum disease with similar underlying causes.
What health risks are linked to untreated periodontitis?
When disease-causing bacteria enter the bloodstream, they may contribute to diabetes, rheumatic disease, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Early periodontitis, called gingivitis, can progress to chronic periodontitis leading to gum recession and tooth loss if untreated.
