If you have ever had the misfortune of being under the dentist's drill for a cavity filling, you know how awful the experience is. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Leeds has come up with an ingenious treatment that not only keeps the drill at bay, but also, helps re-generate your pearly whites so that they look like new again!

The radical treatment is the brainchild of a team of scientists led by Jennifer Kirkham at the University's School of Chemistry. It involves applying a peptide or mixture of amino acids they call P 11-4 to the area of the tooth that is showing early signs of decay. The fluid seeps into the micro pores formed by the acid from the bacteria that is causing the decay and forms a protective gel. This gel in turn provides a base or framework for the tooth to attract calcium and repair the damage - Totally pain-free!

While it sounds almost magical, the researchers maintain that the solution has not only been successful in the laboratory, but also, on a small group of adults whose teeth were showing initial signs of decay.

However, before you head for the candy jar, bear in mind that the researchers still have to conduct the tests on a larger group of people, which means that it will take at least another three years before your dentist can toss the drill and re-create your pearly whites with this magical solution.

Resources: gizmag.com, leeds.ac.uk