Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is the most abundant inositol phosphate in nature and an essential molecule for different biological functions. IP6 has a unique structure granting it distinctive properties; a high negative charge density provides IP6 with an immense chelating ability and valuable antioxidant properties. IP6 is also simple and cost-effective to produce. These features have attracted researchers and entrepreneurs to further study IP6 for a wide variety of applications in areas such as pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries, medicine, pharmacy, nutrition, and dentistry. The interest in IP6 in the dental field unfolded many decades ago following identification of a cariostatic ability and a positive impact on reducing enamel dissolution. Subsequently, IP6’s anti-plaque, anti-calculus and cement-forming properties have been investigated. Despite encouraging findings, there was a phase of decreased attention to IP6 which slowed down research progress. However, the potential use of IP6 has recently been revisited through several publications that provided deeper understanding into its mechanisms of action in the aforementioned applications. Studies have also explored new applications in endodontics, adhesive, preventive and regenerative dentistry, and IP6’s role in improving the characteristics and performance of dental materials. Evidence of the merits of IP6 in dentistry is now substantial, and this narrative review presents and discusses the different applications proposed in the literature and gives insights of future use of IP6 in the fields of orthodontics, implant and pediatric dentistry.
<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the top 5 countries in the world in terms of juice consumption per capita. The rising consumption of beverages is a major contributor to a plethora of diseases, including heightened risks of developing obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Beverages with low pH also tend to magnify the risk of long-term dental erosion. This paper evaluated the pH of various beverages in the UAE to help determine their erosive potential. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> 306 beverages were collected from different stores in the UAE. Drinks were categorized into 8 categories: carbonated drinks, energy drinks, sparkling water, iced teas, juices, malt beverages, coconut water, and sports drinks. Three readings were taken for each drink using a pH meter at room temperature. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 88% of all beverages had a pH of less than 4.0, and the remaining 12% had a pH of 4.0 or more. 37% of the beverages tested were extremely erosive (pH < 3.0), 51% were erosive (pH 3.0–3.99), and 12% were mildly erosive (pH ≥ 4.0). Bickford’s Classic Cola and Tesco Lemon Juice were the most acidic beverages (pH < 2.4). The most identified acids in the tested beverages were citric, phosphoric, ascorbic, and malic acids. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The majority of beverages in the UAE are erosive to dentition as the pH is below 4. Future studies to raise public awareness on the effect of acidic drinks on tooth structure are needed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.