Enamel Remineralization Strategies in Dental Health
Summary
Enamel remineralisation is the natural repair process by which dissolved mineral ions are redeposited into the crystalline structure of tooth enamel, counteracting the demineralisation that initiates dental caries. Fundamental strategies focus on delivering key ions—calcium, phosphate and fluoride—to the enamel surface, promoting the formation of more acid-resistant mineral phases. Traditional approaches rely on fluoride varnishes and dentifrices to facilitate fluorapatite formation, while advanced methods harness biomimetic complexes such as casein phosphopeptide-stabilised amorphous calcium phosphate to localise ions at lesion sites. Emerging technologies explore nanostructured carriers, peptide-based nucleators and tailored phosphate agents to enhance ion bioavailability and penetration into subsurface lesions. Experimental protocols such as pH cycling simulate the dynamic demineralisation–remineralisation conditions of the oral environment, enabling evaluation of novel formulations under controlled conditions. The integration of multifunctional agents that combine anti-demineralising, bioactive and antimicrobial properties underlines the interdisciplinary effort to develop next-generation therapeutic materials. Global significance lies in reducing the burden of caries through minimally invasive, cost-effective interventions suitable for diverse populations and clinical settings.
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Enamel Remineralization Strategies in Dental Health publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in enamel remineralization strategies in dental health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hydroxyapatite: The primary crystalline mineral of tooth enamel composed of calcium and phosphate ions.
Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP): A protein-stabilised calcium phosphate complex that delivers bioavailable ions to enamel surfaces.
Sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP): A polyphosphate agent that enhances calcium and phosphate precipitation and guides apatite crystal growth.
pH cycling: An experimental method that alternates between demineralising and remineralising solutions to mimic the oral environment.
Fluorapatite: A fluoride-substituted form of apatite that is more resistant to acid dissolution than hydroxyapatite.
References
- Effect of Trimetaphosphate and Fluoride Association on Hydroxyapatite Dissolution and Precipitation In Vitro. Brazilian Dental Journal (2014).
- Effect of fluoride gels with nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate on the in vitro remineralization of caries lesions *. Journal of Applied Oral Science (2023).
- In vitro effect of low-fluoride toothpaste supplemented with sodium trimetaphosphate, xylitol, and erythritol on enamel demineralization. Journal of Applied Oral Science (2023).
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