Recent Advances in Dental Hard Tissue Remineralization: A Review of Literature

Abstract

The dental caries is not simply a continuous and unidirectional process of the demineralization of the mineral phase, but a cyclic event with periods of demineralizations and remineralisation. The remineralization process is a natural repair mechanism to restore the minerals again, in ionic forms, to the hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystal lattice. It occurs under near-neutral physiological pH conditions whereby calcium and phosphate mineral ions are redeposited within the caries lesion from saliva and plaque fluid resulting in the formation of newer HAP crystals, which are larger and more resistant to acid dissolution. Numerous types of remineralizing agents and remineralizing techniques have been researched and many of them are being used clinically, with significantly predictable positive results. The recent researches on remineralization are based on biomimetic remineralization materials, having the capability to create apatite crystals within the completely demineralized collagen fibers.How to cite this articleArifa MK, Ephraim R, et al. Recent Advances in Dental Hard Tissue Remineralization: A Review of Literature. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(2):139–144.

Drug Delivery (Nano)Platforms for Oral and Dental Applications: Tissue Regeneration, Infection Control, and Cancer Management

“…Calcium fluoride nanoparticles are 20 times more effective than traditional glass ionomer cement on remineralizing dentin. [ 88 ] The anti‐cariogenic effect of CaF nanoparticles on S. mutants biofilms has been reported. [ 89 ] In an in vitro study, chitosan/fluoride nanoparticles were prepared in the presence of sodium tripolyphosphate as a cross‐linking agent, with sustained release of fluoride ions from the nanoparticles.…”

Comparative Remineralization Efficacy of Topical NovaMin and Fluoride on Incipient Enamel Lesions in Primary Teeth: Scanning Electron Microscope and Vickers Microhardness Evaluation

“…These crystals are more resistant to acid attack compared with hydroxyapatite crystals. 4 Furthermore, fluoride enhances the growth of new FAP, and it inhibits the activity of acid production by carious bacteria. 5 High concentrations of fluoride are toxic, and levels even slightly above therapeutic levels can lead to fluorosis and therefore can limit its use.…”

Effect of divalent ions on cariogenic biofilm formation

“…The interactions between the hard tissues of the teeth and the environment of the oral cavity depend on salivary proteins and enzymes among others but also on dissolved ions [ 32 , 33 ]. Calcium dissolved in saliva is known to influence the process of de- and remineralization of the tooth enamel which in combination with cariogenic microbes can lead to caries and to a reduction of the general health condition [ 34 , 35 ]. Therefore, it is important to understand the interactions between microorganisms, components of saliva, and the tooth mineral surface, to ensure a good oral health.…”

“…Additionally, the samples used for confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) later on were also incubated with 1 mM Alexa 647-dextrane-conjugate (Dextran, Alexa Fluor™ 647; 10,000 MW; Invitrogen™, Thermo Fisher, Reinach, Switzerland) in order to visualize the EPS formed in biofilms. Prior to biofilm formation, the disks were coated with 500 μL serum/saliva mixture (1:10) for 15 min at room temperature (RT) [34]. Thereafter, the disks were placed in bacterial suspension and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. After that the samples were shortly dipped in 0.9% NaCl and prepared for CLSM.…”