TEWKESBURY Business

Patent for dentist's 'miracle paste'

By James Connell

12:20pm Friday 27th January 2012

A WORCESTER dentist has been awarded a patent after developing a miracle paste which he claims stops people’s teeth falling out.

Worcester dentist Ray Steggles has been awarded a UK patent for his invention for treating bacterial diseases, now called QSIant.

Mr Steggles developed the scientific ideas behind the orange paste during an Open University course in 2004.

The paste, which contains both an antibiotic and a new ingredient which makes the antibiotic more effective at killing the bacteria, is squirted directly onto an area of the mouth where bone density is at its lowest.

The treatment was first used in March 2007 on a patient who had such bad gum disease it appeared a tooth was beyond the help of conventional treatment but, thanks to the paste, the tooth was saved, as reported in your Worcester News on Saturday, April 12, 2008.

Mr Steggles, aged 60, of the Wharf Dental Practice in Lowesmoor Wharf, Lowesmoor, Worcester, said: “It is almost five years since that first treatment. I expected to take the tooth out within days, until I saw dramatic improvement following this unique treatment. The tooth is still doing well and she can chew normally. Since then I’ve treated over 200 people and an estimated 3,000 teeth. Although its first use is for severe gum disease, it may provide a new way to treat many other infections.”

Films of bacteria, called biofilms, cause many diseases, including gum disease. In sticky films, germs can be 1,000 times more resistant than others. Mr Steggles said: “Cleverly, they warn and protect each other. Often surviving treatment, disease returns within weeks. QSIant stops them helping each other, and protection from antibiotics reduces. Previously untreatable disease can become treatable.”

The British Dental Association has welcomed the invention but said the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums was to brush teeth at least once a day and avoid sugary snacks.

Confidential discussions with a global pharmaceutical company have taken placeand tests are planned at University College, London.

Mr Steggles said: “Although some funding is in place via venture capitalists, further funding, through equity shares, is needed to complete these tests, and obtain worldwide patents.”

Mr Steggles has secured £85,000 of funding but has to secure a further £45,000 to go to the next phase.

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