Effects of vibrating electric toothbrushes on ECM in gingival fibroblasts

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19335
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57080:Social dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Nihon University
• Principal Investigator: NAKAI Kumiko 日本大学, 歯学部, 助教 (50736725)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 電動歯ブラシ / コラーゲン / 線維芽細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The vibrations of an electric toothbrush help remove plaque and are transmitted to the gingival connective tissue via the epithelial cells. In this study, we examined the effects of the vibrations of an electric toothbrush on the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, namely, type Ⅰ collagen (colⅠ), col Ⅲ, heparin, and fibronectin (FN), using human gingival fibroblast (HGnF) cells.
The vibrations of electric toothbrush increased the expression of col l, col Ⅲ, elastin, FN at the mRNA level and that of collagenous and non-collagenous proteins and phosphorylated FAK at the protein level in HGnF. Moreover, transfection with PTK2 siRNA in the background of vibratory stimulation with the electric toothbrush resulted in inhibitory effects on the expression of col III and elastin.
These results suggest that the vibrations of an electric toothbrush increase the production of collagen, elastin, and FN via the FAK signaling pathway in fibroblasts.

Free Research Field

口腔衛生学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

8020運動により20本以上の歯を有する高齢者の割合は増加傾向にある。それに伴い歯周病と判定される４mm以上の歯周ポケットを有する高齢者の割合も増えており，歯周病はいまなお口腔の健康を考えるにあたり重要な研究課題である。
本研究では，電動歯ブラシの使用により歯肉の炎症や出血が軽減する疫学研究に着目した。電動歯ブラシを用いることで，健常者の歯周病予防だけでなく，上手く手用歯ブラシを用いることの出来ない高齢者や障害者の人たちの病状の軽減を図れるのではないかと考え，電動歯ブラシの振動が歯肉炎の改善に寄与するメカニズムを詳細に検討し，患者さんの日々のセルフケアによる歯周病の重症化への予防を目指す。