The authors declare no conflict of interest. N ovaMin ® is the trade name for a calcium sodium phosphosilicate bioactive glass that has been developed for use in oral health care. Originally developed for the treatment of hypersensitivity by the physical occlusion of dentinal tubules, recent studies have demonstrated a potential for this material to prevent demineralization and/or aid in remineralization of tooth surfaces. The mode of action of this material results from interactions with aqueous solutions. When introduced into the oral environment, the material releases sodium, calcium, and phosphate ions, which then interact with oral fluids and result in the formation of a crystalline hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer that is structurally and chemically similar to natural tooth mineral. This article will focus on the mechanisms of action of NovaMin and present results from a series of in vitro and in situ studies demonstrating the potential of this material in the areas of remineralization and caries prevention.
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