The new 'toothpaste' jab that may be able to rebuild crumbling bones By Roger Dobson Published: 12:02 EDT, 1 July 2024 | Updated: 12:26 EDT, 1 July 2024 e-mail View comments An injection of a compound found in toothpastes may treat bone fractures caused by osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones prone to breaking. New research suggests the mineral, hydroxyapatite, which is used in some toothpastes to prevent tooth decay, can help trigger new bone growth. Patients with osteoporosis given the jabs into a fracture had higher bone density and a lower risk of needing further surgery.

Osteoporosis affects an estimated three million people in the UK. Those who use steroid drugs, smoke, drink heavily or have a family history of the disease are most at risk, while diet and hormones can also contribute. Throughout life, cells called osteoclasts break down old bone while new bone is formed by cells called osteoblasts.

The activity of these cells is generally constant, but after the age of 50 or so, there are gradually fewer osteoblasts than osteoclasts. Osteoporosis develops when the balance tips too far in favour of the osteoclasts. The condition often goes undetected until a fracture occurs.

Osteoporosis, a condition which causes weakening of the bones, often goes undetected until an accident occurs Researchers suggest that the mineral hydroxyapatite, which is used in some toothpastes to prevent decay, can help trigger new bone growth There are drugs to treat the condition, such as.