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The project spearheaded by Professor Jennifer Kirkham,
presents a mouthwash that destroys plaque using merely a bright light.
Leeds Dental Institute says that it may be available within 3 years for home use perhaps with a light attached to the head of a toothbrush.
The team is also working on a "repair solution" to help the body grow new enamel, which they believe could reduce the need for drilling and filling.
The mouthwash uses "Photodynamic therapy" and Professor Kirkham believes it can benefit people who find it hard to use a toothbrush.
The anti-bacterial molecules in the wash are only absorbed by the plaque causing bacteria and activated when a bright light is shone into the mouth, killing them.
A similiar principle is used in skin cancer therapy, Professor Kirkham said, "The laboratory is looking to find safe new ways to control plaque which do not rely on toothpaste.
"We see patients in the clinic who are not able to brush effectively - the shape of the mouth may not allow sufficient access, the patient could be disabled or just not a proficient brusher."
While photodynamic therapy is already found in machines in dental clinics, researcher, Dr Simon Wood said that the aim was to find a way the mouthwash could be used at home.
"While you'd need a bright light to make it work, you could in theory have something in the head of a toothbrush", he added.
Repair solution
The repair-solution is made from a protein that encourages the laying down of new enamel over microscopic holes in teeth, including those caused by acid produced by plaque bacteria.
The liquid is painted on, enters the wholes and then attracts the calcium needed to patch them.
Professor Kirkham concluded that it could help people with early damage which could lead to dental decay, or those who have tiny holes in their teeth which makes consuming hot or cold products painful.
Hopefully it shall gain a license for wider use within five years as it goes on trial, if dental decay can be prevented at an early stage, painful dentist appointments may be avoided, for those who already have full fledged cavities however, they will still have to rely on drilling and filling the conventional way.
Goes just as the cliche does- prevention is better than cure so look after those pearly whites, after all, you only get one set.
