Relationship between dentifrices based on hydroxyapatites and human enamel remineralization

Abstract

Enamel demineralization is an intricate process that holds significant clinical consequences, being a central part of the emergence and progression of various dental problems, most notably dental caries. This demineralization of tooth enamel is linked to a variety of factors, including the composition of oral microbiota and that of saliva, the prevalence of sugar consumption or acidic soft drinks, and, of course, oral hygiene practices. The oral microbiome plays a role in generating organic acids that foster an environment conducive to enamel breakdown. Additionally, a decrease in saliva production can lower the oral environment’s ability to neutralize acids and support the remineralization process, thereby intensifying demineralization. Dentifrices enriched with biomimetic hydroxyapatites are important in preventing demineralization as they not only help with oral hygiene but also provide key ions that help strengthen enamel. Considering their similarity to the natural component in enamel, synthetic
hydroxyapatites have recently emerged as potent remineralizing agents. Hence, this work aims to illustrate in a simple and concise manner, some of the aspects involved in enamel demineralization and its subsequent remineralization, namely in the relationship between enriched toothpastes containing biomimetic hydroxyapatites and their remineralization eficacy.