The role of salivary contents and modern technologies in the remineralization of dental enamel: a narrative review

F1000Res. 2020 Mar 9:9:171. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.22499.3. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Human enamel once formed cannot be biologically repaired or replaced. Saliva has a significant role in remineralization of dental enamel. It not only has a buffering capacity to neutralize the oral cavity's low pH generated after acidic encounters, but also acts as a carrier of essential ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, which have a positive role in enamel's remineralization. This review discusses how salivary contents, like proteins and enzymes, have a natural role in enamel's mineralization. In addition, the presence of ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, in saliva further enhances its capability to remineralize the demineralized enamel surface. The review further examines modern innovative technologies, based on biomimetic regeneration systems, including dentin phosphoproteins, aspartate-serine-serine, recombinant porcine amelogenin, leucine-rich amelogenin peptide and nano-hydroxyapatite, that promote enamel remineralization. Fluoride boosters like calcium phosphates, polyphosphates, and certain natural products can also play an important role in enamel remineralization.

Keywords: Calcium Phosphate; Enamel; Fluoride; Remineralization; Saliva.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium
  • Dental Enamel
  • Fluorides*
  • Humans
  • Phosphates
  • Swine
  • Tooth Remineralization*

Substances

  • Phosphates
  • Fluorides
  • Calcium

Grants and funding

The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work.