Mineralizing agents to manage early carious lesions. Part I: mode of action

Abstract

Dental caries remains a major global health challenge affecting millions of people worldwide, with both major health and financial implications. The minimum intervention oral healthcare (MIOC) delivery framework aims to improve caries management through early diagnosis and the use of remineralization strategies in primary and secondary preventive approaches. The landmark discovery of fluoride in caries remineralization resulted in an increase in research on such non-operative approaches. With an improved understanding of the biochemistry of caries and the demineralization-remineralization balance within dental hard tissues, researchers and clinicians currently seek new therapies to improve the non-operative management of early carious lesions. New remineralization technologies have been introduced in recent years, with varying chemistries, modes of action and degrees of success. This article, the first of a two-part series, explores the chemistry and mode of action of currently available remineralization technologies, outlining their clinical effectiveness and use in dental caries management. CPD/Clinical Relevance: A scientific understanding of ever-evolving remineralization technologies is necessary for clinicians.