Squid mouthwash to detect gum disease

A mouthwAsh made of squid ink could detect hidden gum disease.

the fluid gets trapped in diseased tissue that can form between the teeth and gums.

when a laser light is shone on the area, it causes the squid ink — which contains particles that can absorb light — to swell, creating pressure that can be detected by ultrasound. At present, dentists use a sharp probe to measure any pockets of disease, but this is not always accurate and can be painful.

Researchers at the university of California have tested the new approach on pigs and hope to try it on humans soon, they report in the Journal of Dental Research.