Scared of getting pricked by needles every time you need a vaccine? Tired of tedious lines or drives to get your annual flu shot? A recent study published in Nature reveals that future vaccines could be administered simply by flossing your teeth. Beyond traditional subcutaneous or intramuscular shots, some vaccinations can be administered through the nasal passage, while others can be absorbed under the tongue.
The space between our gums and our teeth is called the junctional epithelium. Here, there is a porous membrane layer that forms a barrier to prevent bad bacteria from getting inside the body. This epithelial layer is also well-suited to absorb vaccines and stimulate an immune response. While typical vaccine injections activate an immune response only within the bloodstream, using this flossing method actually stimulates immune cells across many mucosal layers (such as the linings in the nose, mouth, lungs, and stomach) as well as systemically through the bloodstream.
In this study, functional parts of the influenza vaccine were attached to nanoparticles, then administered to lab mice by flossing their teeth. Researchers found that local lymph nodes were stimulated to produce an immune response, thereby increasing the amount of immune cells in the lungs, spleen, and bone marrow. Administration through the junctional epithelium produced the strongest and most systemic immune response compared to other oral or nasal routes.
Using floss picks helps ensure the vaccine only contacts the gums and teeth. Floss picks prevent the vaccine from getting absorbed through undesired routes, such as the hands.
Image Source: PonyWang
After testing on mice, researchers also wanted to confirm how effective floss-vaccination could be on human patients. A group of 27 people were given dyed floss, then asked to coat as much of the gingival sulcus (the space between the tooth and the gum most commonly cleaned by flossing) with the dye as possible. The study found that 60% of the gingival sulcus was dyed, which is promising evidence to pursue clinical trials with the influenza vaccine. By using floss picks, researchers can ensure that the vaccine isn’t directly in contact with anyone’s hands, and that the vaccine only comes in direct contact with its intended area.
This study demonstrates that flossing your teeth may be the most effective, inexpensive, and accessible way to administer the influenza vaccine in the future. The nose’s mucosal barrier isn’t as porous as the oral membranes, meaning intranasal vaccines are typically less effective. Traditional needles and syringes can be more costly and cause more apprehension among the general public. Some considerations for future research include whether this method can be altered for those without teeth (for example, young children or the elderly), and how to navigate potential risks if someone has oral disease or tooth infections.
Featured Image Source: adragan
