Promotion Of Remineralization Research Articles

A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Nanomaterial Applications in Restorative Dentistry: Demineralization Inhibition and Remineralization Applications (Part I).

Nanotechnology is extensively employed in various aspects of dentistry, including restorative dentistry, because of its substantial improvement and promising potential in the clinical efficacy of restorative materials and procedures. The main purpose of this review is to explore the different uses of nanomaterials in restorative dentistry. The review is divided into two parts: the current review (Part 1) focuses on the prevention of demineralization and promotion of remineralization, while the upcoming review (Part 2) will discuss the reinforcement of restorative materials and their therapeutic applications. Nanofillers are added to dental materials to boost their antibacterial, anticaries, and demineralization inhibitory capabilities. Additionally, they improve remineralization and enhance both mechanical properties and therapeutic features. The nanoparticles (NPs) used to increase antibacterial and remineralization inhibitions can be classified into two main groups: inorganic and organic NPs. Examples of inorganic NPs include silver, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and gold. Examples of organic NPs include silica, quaternary ammonium salt monomers, and chitosan NPs. Furthermore, the nanofillers utilized to enhance the process of remineralization include various types such as metals, nano-hydroxyapatite, nano-amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), dicalcium phosphate NPs, casein phosphopeptide-ACP (CPP-ACP), and calcium fluoride NPs. These uses underscore the potential applications of NPs in restorative dentistry, although there are still some limitations to address.

Effect of Surface Pre-Reacted Glass Ionomer Containing Dental Sealant on the Inhibition of Enamel Demineralization.

The effect of a surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG)-containing sealant on the demineralization inhibition and remineralization of intact enamel adjacent to the sealant material was investigated. BeautiSealant (BTS, S-PRG sealant, Shofu), Teeth Mate F-12.0 (TMF, fluoride-releasing sealant, Kuraray Noritake Dental), and an experimental silica-filler sealant were investigated. After pH cycling for 10 days, the enamel surface adjacent to the sealant material was observed using confocal laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The polymerized sealant disks were immersed in a demineralized solution (pH: 4.3) to measure pH change. The enamel specimens with polymerized sealant disks were additionally immersed in demineralized solution, followed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The demineralized area of BTS was significantly smaller than that of TMF and SS (p < 0.05). The surfaces adjacent to the sealant of TMF and SS were demineralized, while the surface of BTS was comparatively intact. An increase in pH values were observed in the BTS and TMF groups. Enamel surfaces presented an inhibition of demineralization for BTS and TMF, but not for SS. Fluoride uptake from the polymerized sealant was greater for BTS than for TMF. The S-PRG-containing sealant showed a buffering ability, demineralization inhibition, promotion of remineralization, and it can be advised for clinical applications.

Bifunctional anticaries peptides with antibacterial and remineralizing effects.

Initial dental caries often occurs in clinic. Reduction of cariogenic bacteria and promotion of remineralization are effective ways to control them. This study was to develop bifunctional anticaries peptides with antibacterial and remineralizing properties. We designed peptides TDH19, TNH19, and TVH19 and selected one through comparing their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) against Streptococcus mutans and their reaction on mineralization. Then the bifunction of the selected peptide was studied through: (a) effects on S.mutans biofilm, (b) remineralizing effects on initial lesions and (c) stability in saliva and cytocompatibility to human oral keratinocytes (HOKs). TVH19 showed the lowest MIC and MBC and a better mineralizing ability. It inhibited new biofilm formation and reduced the viability of old biofilm (p<0.05). Treating initial caries with TVH19 led to greater recovery of surface microhardness, shallower lesion depth, and higher mineral content (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between TVH19 and NaF samples (p>0.05). TVH19 was stable in saliva and had little effect on HOKs. The novel bifunctional anticaries peptide TVH19 was developed with remarkable antibacterial activity and the potential to enhance remineralization of initial caries.

The use of sugar free chewing gum as a supplement in the prevention of dental caries. Narrative Review

Tooth decay is one of the diseases most prevalent, being ranked as one of the major public health problems worldwide. For this reason it has been emphasized the development of new preventive methods, as the use of sugar-free gum. With this strategy it is possible to obtain significant benefits for oral health product by: (1) stimulation of salivation, which favors the clearance and regulates the pH; (2) promotion of remineralization as a consequence of this stimulation and the addition of minerals to the gum; (3) mechanical plaque control; (4) replacement of sugar with sweeteners harmful for bacteria, of which the most widely used is the xylitol; and (5) addition of active agents such as bicarbonate, casein, urea, chlorhexidine and chitosan, among others. Despite providing these benefits, is considered that the effect of gum is weak in preventing caries when the order is sought in the absence of toothbrushing and therefore should be proposed for implementation in addition to routine oral hygiene and not as a preventive measure alone, being necessary to perform a greater number of short and long term clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness in a context of high biological variability, including patients of different sex, age, socioeconomic status and systemic health.

Cheese consumption and the development and progression of dental caries.

Whereas research into the causes of dental decay has focused on the harmful relationship between dental plaque bacteria and foods, studies into the protective effects of foods have been infrequent and limited in number. Recent investigations showed that milk and cheese could reduce the effects of metabolic acids, and could help restore the enamel that is lost during eating. Postulated mechanisms involve buffering, salivary stimulation, reduction of bacterial adhesion, reduction of enamel demineralization, and/or promotion of remineralization by casein and ionizable Ca and P. Given this information, consumers may be motivated to use milk and cheese to reduce, or reverse the cariogenic effects of many other foods.

Remineralization and Demineralization in situ from a Triclosan/Co-polymer/Fluoride Dentifrice

An in situ study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a dentifrice containing 1100 ppm F (NaF) and triclosan, an anti-plaque agent, on remineralization of artificially-formed caries lesions in thin sections of human enamel. The thin sections were placed in mandibular partial dentures of 15 subjects and covered with a steel mesh to provide an area for plaque accumulation. The subjects brushed their teeth and dentures three times daily for two-week periods in a cross-over design, after which the specimens were removed and analyzed by quantitative microradiography for changes in mineral content. Results showed that lesions treated with the triclosan-fluoride product were remineralized 18.0 +/- 23.4% compared with 19.0 +/- 32.3% from a 1100-ppm F (NaF) positive control. Use of a placebo dentifrice resulted in 71.9% demineralization. The findings showed that triclosan neither enhanced nor interfered with the promotion of remineralization by fluoride.