Matt and Jonathan An, an Assistant Professor of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, explore the relationship between oral health and ageing, including research on how rapamycin affects oral health.

Key Points:

The podcast discusses the impact of ageing on oral health and explores research on rapamycin's potential to rejuvenate oral health, including an upcoming clinical trial to test its effects on periodontal disease in humans.

• Oral Health and Longevity Research: The podcast explores how oral health declines with age and discusses potential longevity interventions, such as rapamycin, that may impact oral health. It emphasizes the importance of studying oral health as part of the ageing process.
• Ageing in Animal Models: The discussion delves into the use of animal models, particularly mice, to study ageing and oral health. It highlights how ageing research in mice can provide insights into age-related oral health issues in humans.
• Impact of Rapamycin on Oral Health: Research findings show that rapamycin treatment in mice reduces age-associated periodontal disease, indicating the potential of rapamycin to modulate oral health and possibly reverse some age-related oral changes.
• Bone and Gum Health in Ageing: The podcast details how ageing affects tissues in the mouth, leading to gum disease and bone loss. Rapamycin treatment in mice demonstrated reduced bone loss and improved gum health, suggesting a link between rapamycin and oral health rejuvenation.
• Oral Microbiome and Inflammation: The oral microbiome changes with age and can influence inflammation in the mouth. Rapamycin appears to modulate the oral microbiome, bringing it closer to a more youthful state, which could help reduce inflammation and support oral health.
• Challenges in Translating Research to Humans: The podcast discusses the hurdles in translating animal research into human clinical trials, particularly regarding the safety and efficacy of rapamycin for oral health.
• Upcoming Clinical Trial: Jonathan An is leading a clinical trial to assess rapamycin's effects on periodontal disease in humans. The trial aims to explore if rapamycin can improve treatment outcomes for patients with gum disease, marking a step forward in integrating ageing science into oral health care.