Scientists have found that in the future, flossing your teeth might serve a dual purpose of a vaccine too .
They discovered a soft gum tissue called the junctional epithelium that easily lets substances pass through. This area is important because it is where many germs enter the body through the mouth, nose, and lungs. In a study on mice, scientists used dental floss to apply a flu vaccine to this gum tissue.
It created a strong immune response stronger than current oral vaccines and almost as good as nasal vaccines, but without the risks. This method also worked with both mRNA and protein-based vaccines.
I think the idea here is to use the gum tissue which is usually rich in immune cells. Definitely this can be a significant painless delivery gateway without the usage of needles and can result in lower medical wastes which is high when needles are utilized. The biggest advantage is, it has the power to stimulate both “mucosal immunity” which is the first line of defense at entry points and also “systemic immunity” for extended protection.
This is a truly innovative method of vaccine administration, alongside ingestible vaccines this is truly a game changer. Maybe this could entertain the idea of dissolvable stitches laced with therapeutic substances too!
That’s a fascinating development! The junctional epithelium being a natural entry point for pathogens makes it a smart target for vaccine delivery. If flossing could double as a painless, non-invasive vaccination method, it could revolutionize public health. It would especially benefit people who fear needles or have limited access to clinics. The fact that it works with both mRNA and protein-based vaccines makes it even more versatile. Of course, it’s still early stage research, but if human trials prove successful, this could make preventive care as easy as daily dental hygiene.