Sugarcane-Based Saliva: Protecting Teeth After Radiation
Patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer often face a devastating side effect: severe dry mouth (xerostomia), which leads to aggressive tooth decay known as "radiation caries." However, a scientific breakthrough from Brazil offers new hope. Researchers have developed a sugarcane-based artificial saliva specifically designed to form a protective layer on the teeth, helping patients maintain their oral health during and after cancer treatment.
This product is more than just a lubricant; it is the first enamel-protection technology to use natural plant proteins to mimic the human mouth’s biological defense mechanisms.
The Data: Clinical Breakthroughs in Enamel Protection
Research conducted at the Bauru School of Dentistry (FOB-USP) in Brazil has yielded highly promising results:
Reduction in Demineralization: The sugarcane protein significantly lowered the loss of calcium and phosphate from tooth enamel, the primary cause of cavities.
The Power of Synergy: Protection levels increased dramatically when the sugarcane protein was combined with fluoride and xylitol.
Inhibiting Bacteria: Laboratory tests showed a sharp decline in the activity of caries-causing bacteria compared to standard commercial artificial saliva products.
Versatile Application: The technology has been successfully tested in several forms, including mouthwashes, gels, and thin films that dissolve on the tongue.
The Underlying Mechanism: How Sugarcane Proteins Shield Teeth
The secret to this product’s effectiveness lies in a specific protein called CaneCPI-5:
Creating an "Artificial Pellicle": CaneCPI-5 works by adhering directly to the tooth surface. It creates a thin, protective film—an artificial version of the natural protein layer found in healthy mouths—acting as a biological shield against acid attacks.
Acid Neutralization: This layer prevents acids from food, drinks, or gastric reflux from reaching and dissolving the enamel.
Microbiome Regulation: Beyond physical protection, the protein helps stabilize the oral microbiome, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the dry environment caused by radiation.
Natural Mimicry: This is the first product to use the concept of a "calculated pellicle" to treat dry mouth symptoms biologically rather than just chemically.
Clinical and Patient Implications
This discovery marks a significant shift in supportive care for oncology patients:
Specialized Solution for Radiation Caries: Until now, there have been few products on the market capable of fighting the aggressive decay that follows radiation. This fills a critical medical gap.
Improved Quality of Life: By lubricating the mouth and protecting teeth, this artificial saliva helps with comfort, speech, and wound healing, making life easier for recovering patients.
Affordability and Sustainability: Because it is derived from sugarcane, this product has the potential for mass production at a much lower cost than other lab-engineered proteins.
Future Availability: With patents already filed, the next step is industrial production to bring this life-changing solution to clinics and patients worldwide.
Original Article Details
Original Title: Sugarcane-based artificial saliva may protect teeth after head and neck radiation
Source: Oral Health Group / Agência FAPESP
Publication Date: January 2026