Solubility properties of human tooth mineral and pathogenesis of dental caries

Abstract

Dental research over the last century has advanced our understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of caries lesions. Increasing knowledge of the dynamic demineralization/remineralization processes has led to the current consensus that bacteria-mediated tooth destruction can be arrested or even to some degree reversed by adopting fluoride and other preventive measures without using restorative materials. Our experimental approach provided new insight into the stoichiometries and solubility properties of human enamel and dentin mineral. The determination of the solubility product constant on the basis of the stoichiometric model (Ca)5.x(Mg)q(Na)u(HPO4)v(CO3)w(PO4)3.y(OH,F)1.z, verifies the difference in their solubility properties, supporting the phase transformation between tooth mineral and calcium phosphates in a wide range of fluid compositions as found in the oral environment. Further refinement of the stoichiometry and solubility parameters is essential to assess quantitatively the driving force for de- and remineralization of enamel and dentin in the oral fluid environment. Prediction of the effects of a combination of inhibitors and accelerator(s) on remineralization kinetics is also required. In order to develop devices efficient for optimizing remineralization in the lesion body, it is a critical question how, and to what extent, fluoride can compensate for the activity of any inhibitors in the mineralizing media.

Comparison of the newer preventive therapies on remineralisation of enamel in vitro

“…The process of dental caries starts when the acidogenic bacteria in the biofilm ferment the dietary carbohydrates producing organic acids such as lactic, formic and acetic acids as a by-product .These acids have the ability to diffuse into the enamel pores between the rods where they dissociate and cause pH values of the fluid surrounding the crystals to fall below a critical value for enamel dissolution (pH=5.5) (Aoba, 2004). This drop in the pH causes dissolution of the mineral crystals especially of the carbonated hydroxyapatite (LeGeros, 1991).…”

“…However, the action of fluoride in enamel remineralisation is limited by the bioavailability of calcium and phosphate ions in saliva (ten Cate, 1999, Aoba, 2004, Featherstone, 2006.…”

Addition of Hydroxyapatite to Toothpaste and Its Effect to Dentin Remineralization

“…Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide. 5,6) Fluoride has been the usual answer to the problem of dental caries. A decline in dental caries among industrialized countries has been recorded following the widespread use of fluoride.…”

Effect of Polyols on Phosphorus-Containing Calcium Fluoride Deposition on Hydroxyapatite Surfaces

“…Hydroxyapatite (Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ; HA) is a commonly considered prototype for inorganic mineral components of teeth and bones 1,[2][3][4][5] . The equilibrium between demineralization and remineralization maintains a sound tooth surface in the oral environment 6) .…”