Development of a novel on demand water fluoridation device for prevention of dental decay

Code: BC-DTP_2026_40

Title: Development of a novel on demand water fluoridation device for prevention of dental decay

Primary Supervisor: Natalia Karpukhina

Email: n.karpukhina@qmul.ac.uk

Institute: Institute of Dentistry

Secondary Supervisor: Jelena Kosoric

Email: Jelena.kosoric@qmul.ac.uk

Institute: Institute of Dentistry

Lay Summary:

The prevalence of decay amongst 5 y old children is still found to be at staggeringly high level of 30% in 2022 .  Tooth decay is the most common disease affecting children. Poor oral health has a significant impact on both children and their families. It affects children’s growth both physically and psychologically by reducing their ability to eat and socialize despite the fact that decay is a preventable disease.  

Children living in the most deprived areas are three times more likely (35%) to experience decay than their counterparts living in the least deprived areas (13%). Furthermore, there is a trend of higher decay experience in other ethnic groups, including Asian and Asian British ethnic groups.  Although the decay experience has been reduced from 2008 to 2015, there is no further decrease recorded since then.

Water fluoridation is the simple cost-effective method that is proven to reduce decay. Most important aspect of water fluoridation is that it doesn’t require compliance. Current climate is against introducing fluoride in water for general population. Furthermore, the hardness of water in London area makes this approach not feasible because the addition of fluoride would cause formation of mineral deposites and blockage of the water pipes systems. This project aims to develop a simple local measure that would enable water fluoridation on demand and on prescription from a dentist. Reasoning behind is to be developed as a local measure, but available only for those who need it, therefore not being a burden for the local authorities. 

Aims and Objectives: 

The aim of the project is to explore the recently studied technology of the sustained release of complex or simple fluoride form from layered double hydroxides for preventing a tooth decay. The main objectives will be to establish the charge and release pattern of the active material that can mimic use of this active ingredient loaded into a device for domestic use. The second objective will be to explore potential options for fabrication of the devise using a 3D printing technolody and to identify potential issues that should be addressed in the future. The project is expected to bring the technology up to the level that would be appropriate for generating a commercial interest.