Study of topical fluoride combined with semiconductor laser for the prevention of dental enamel caries

Abstract

The prevention of dental caries is one of the main goals of modern dentistry. Other major goals include remineralization of caries, rather than the traditional "drill and fill". Remineralization is a restorative process that restores minerals and occurs daily through the presence of calcium, phosphate and fluoride in the saliva. Enamel demineralization occurs when acids produced by bacteria attack the enamel. A dynamic balance between enamel demineralization and remineralization is maintained under normal conditions, and disruption of this balance leads to progression of the lesion and eventually to cavitation formation. Fluoride plays an important role in enhancing remineralization. Topical application of fluoride is one of the most effective ways to stop or prevent dental caries. Fluoride ions can replace the hydroxyl group in hydroxyapatite, which leads to the formation of fluorapatite. The solubility of fluorapatite in acid is lower than that of hydroxyapatite. The effect of laser irradiation on the prevention of dental caries has been reported by numerous scholars. Studies have shown that when fluoride, calcium or phosphorus ions are present, laser irradiation can effectively enhance the acid resistance of tooth enamel by altering its chemical or morphological structure and promoting the remineralization process. Laser combined with fluoride has good effect and easy operation compared with other methods for caries prevention, and this paper will review the research on laser combined with fluoride in caries prevention in recent years.