The role of salivary contents and modern technologies in the remineralization of dental enamel: a narrative review [version 3; peer review: 3 approved]

Abstract

Human enamel once formed cannot be biologically repaired orreplaced. 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 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, phosphoproteins, aspartate-serine-serine, recombinant porcine amelogenin, leucine-rich amelogenin peptide and nanohydroxyapatite, that promote enamel remineralization. Fluoride boosters like calcium phosphates, polyphosphates, and certain can also play an important role in enamelremineralization.