Researchers at North Carolina State University are testing whether dental floss could be used as a new way to deliver vaccinations, ABC7 reported Sept. 4.
Those involved in the project, led by Harvinder Singh Gill, PhD, said the tissue between the teeth and gums could be a beneficial pathway for delivering medication without a needle and into areas where many viruses first attack, such as the nose, mouth and lungs. Additional advantages include patients being able to administer the vaccines themselves and easier storage requirements.
The approach is designed for older children and adults and would not replace traditional shots for infants.
Early studies reportedly show promising results.
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