HEAL YOUR TEETH – REMINERALISING AGENTS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

Remineralization is defined as the process whereby calcium and phosphate ions are supplied from a source external to the tooth to promote ion deposition into crystal voids in demineralized enamel to produce a net mineral gain.

“Extension for Prevention” gave way to the current minimally invasive dental approach.

The non-invasive treatment of non-cavitated caries lesions requiring remineralization systems to restore the enamel with fluorapatite or fluorohydroxyapatite is the aim of modern dentistry.

Mainly 2 types of agents have come into use –

1.FLUORIDATED AGENTS

2.NON-FLUORIDATED AGENTS (CPP-ACP CONTAINING AGENTS)

 Fluorides –Its ability to facilitate net remineralization is restricted by calcium and phosphate ion supply.   Fluoride may also be highly effective on smooth surface caries but its impact on pit and fissure caries is minimal. Fluoride over-exposure can also be causing fluorosis. All of this has led researchers to hunt for non-fluoridated alternative agents.

Casein Phosphopeptide – Amorphous Calcium Phosphate-Tooth creams using CPP-ACP (Recaldent technology) such as MIPaste and ToothMousse understand the value of the species of neutral ions, gaining access to the sub-surface lesion via a porous enamel coating.

Bioactive Glass-Fine particulate bioactive glasses (< 90 μm) embedded in an aqueous dentifrice have been shown to have the potential to clinically minimize the hypersensitivity of the tooth by occlusion of dentinal tubules by forming the CAP sheet.

Functionalized Tricalcium Phosphate (fTCP)- It has been shown that the functionalized TCP ingredient in NaF formulations produces better, more acid-resistant minerals compared to fluoride alone.

Cavistat- CaviStat mint technology is an easy and economical means of significantly reducing one of the most prevalent infant diseases.

In simple words

Non-Cavitated white spot lesion   +   Remineralising agent   + Saliva  = Leads to Healed lesion{Caries free}

About the author – Dr. Bhavna G. Saraf,

Practicing Pediatric Dentistry Since 2001, Faridabad, Haryana

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