[Kyodo News, June 28]Aichi Gakuin University (Nissin City, Aichi Prefecture) in Japan announced on June 26 that it would establish a space dentistry research department in anticipation of an era when humans live in space. This is the first such research department at a domestic university, and it will work with other universities and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to improve dental treatment and oral care for astronauts and space station personnel, as well as develop preventive measures and advance research.
According to Aichi Gakuin University, there are many unknowns in space, such as the development of caries and changes in chewing force, which are very different from the gravity environment on Earth, and research on dental treatment in space has not made any progress. The university said that in view of the possibility that humans may live on the moon’s surface in the near future, the “Japan Space Dentistry Research Society” was established in September last year. Hiroshima University and Okayama University also participated.
The research department will formulate dental care guidelines before space travel and study how oral bacteria change in the space environment. Since water is very precious in space, they are also striving to develop a toothbrush that does not require water. Oral care that does not require water is also expected to be used in home medical care and disaster areas. Professor Maeda Hatsuhiko of Aichi Gakuin University said: “It will not only make space life comfortable, but will also drive innovation in dental medical technology on Earth.” (End)
source: china