Search Results (46)

Background/Objectives: Dental caries, one of the most common oral diseases worldwide, represents a major public health concern. Contemporary dentistry has established several non-invasive approaches and resin infiltration, as a micro-invasive path, in the treatment of white spot lesions (WSLs). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different WSL treatments on enamel surface microhardness. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five intact human premolars extracted upon orthodontic indication and the demineralizing solution composed of acetic acid, monopotassium phosphate and calcium chloride with pH = 4.4 and exposure time 96 h were used. The samples were randomly divided into five groups (n = 15): I—intact enamel (control group); II—artificial white spot lesion; III—artificial WSL treated with fluoride varnish; IV—artificial WSL treated with casein phosphopeptide—amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste; V—resin-infiltrated artificial WSL. The surface microhardness was determined using the Oliver–Pharr method and a spherical indenter (Shimadzu Indenter, Kyoto, Japan). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Post Hoc test (Bonferroni) was used with a level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Resin-infiltrated white spot lesions showed comparable microhardness mean value as the control group: 68.23 (±21.45) and 63.57 (±18.89), respectively (p > 0.05). Also, resin infiltration increased enamel microhardness compared to WSL values, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Fluoride varnish and CPP-ACP treatment resulted in equivalent values (50.84 ± 14.35 and 50.99 ± 15.31, respectively). Conclusions: Different WSL treatments (fluoride varnish, CPP-ACP and resin infiltration) produced comparable enamel microhardness values. Among the tested agents, resin infiltration resulted in higher microhardness values, while fluoride varnish and CPP-ACP demonstrated equivalent outcomes. Full article

Objective: This in vitro study quantitatively compared the time-dependent remineralization potential of three professional agents on artificially induced enamel lesions using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Methods: Sixty extracted sound molars were randomly assigned to three groups (number = 20): G_CPP-ACP, treated with casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate; G_Zn-HA, treated with zinc-hydroxyapatite; and G_F-ACP, treated with fluoridated amorphous calcium phosphate. The crown of each tooth was divided into three areas: one represented the control (CTRL, sound enamel), one underwent demineralization (DEMIN, demineralized enamel), and the third one was at first demineralized and then treated with a remineralizing agent, allowing intra-sample comparison. Artificial lesions were produced by immersion in 0.1 M lactic acid (72 h). Groups were subdivided according to remineralization time (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). Samples underwent daily treatment under a pH-cycling regimen. Surface morphology and Ca/P ratios were evaluated by SEM-EDX, and data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). Results: All agents promoted a progressive increase in Ca/P ratio over time, confirming a time-dependent remineralization effect. At day 7, G_Zn-HA showed higher Ca/P values, but from day 14 onward, G_F-ACP produced significantly greater mineral gain than the other groups (p < 0.05). By day 21, G_F-ACP reached Ca/P values approaching CTRL, while G_CPP-ACP and G_Zn-HA remained at lower levels, reaching a plateau respectively at 21 and 14 days. SEM observations supported these findings: G_CPP-ACP and G_Zn-HA showed partial surface recovery, whereas G_F-ACP exhibited a compact, homogeneous enamel-like structure at 28 days. Conclusions: All tested agents demonstrated time-dependent remineralization, enhanced with prolonged exposure, suggesting that the time of application represents a key factor for clinical success. Full article

Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) is a well-established bioceramic material known to promote the remineralization of dental hard tissues. White spot lesions (WSLs) represent the initial stage of enamel demineralization and are frequently observed in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances or inadequate oral hygiene. Although recommendations for remineralizing agents include both the prevention of lesion progression and the stimulation of tissue remineralization, the clinical efficacy of ACP-based materials remains under debate. This systematic review, registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024540595), aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)-based products in the remineralization of WSLs and to compare these outcomes with those achieved using non-bioceramic approaches. Inclusion criteria comprised randomized clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, and pilot studies conducted on human subjects with WSLs affecting permanent teeth. Studies involving artificial WSLs or non-cariogenic enamel lesions were excluded. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The main findings indicate that CPP-ACP is clinically effective in promoting the remineralization of WSLs, although the results were inconsistent across studies. Comparisons with placebo and resin infiltration treatments revealed greater efficacy for CPP-ACP. The combination of CPP-ACP with fluoride appeared to further enhance the remineralizing effect on WSLs. Additional standardized clinical studies with longer follow-up periods are warranted to confirm these outcomes. Full article

Background: Due to limitations of fluoride (F) treatment as a main caries preventive measure, it is important to consider the use of other dental caries preventive measures to reduce caries prevalence, especially in its early stages. Recently, new remineralizing agents appeared on the market, with their commercial availability in a variety of oral care products. Objectives: The purposes include providing a scoping review that represents caries remineralizing efficacies of only commercially available products and their existing adverse effects (if it is presented) and ensuring that only evidence-based approved products are included. Methods: The following databases were used in searching scientific literature on 28 October 2024: PubMed, PubMed Advanced Search, MeSH database, and PubMed Clinical Queries. The study selection criteria were as follows: for laboratory, in vitro, and/or in situ—remineralization of enamel-scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopy, microhardness test, light microscopy, profilometry, transverse microhardness microradiography, integrated mineral loss, light microscopy, photothermal radiometry; if it was a randomized controlled trial—CONSORT protocol, ICDAS system (to detect dental caries), diagnostic additional devices; antibacterial ability-colony forming units, DNA-based sequencing, scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: This review includes 98 papers: 14 of them describing the current status of caries patterns in the world, 60 studies (45 laboratory studies and 15 RCTs), and 24 systematic reviews were analyzed in order to detect whether new remineralizing agents can replace fluoride in further caries prevention. Conclusions: All reviewed new remineralization agents could be used without additives to treat early caries lesions, but the combination with F promotes better remineralization. Only HAP demonstrated its potential to serve as an alternative to fluoride in oral care products. However, further clinical studies are needed to prove its role in the remineralizing process of initial caries lesions. One also needs to ensure that both the clinical trials and in vitro lab studies use the best gold standards to validate any changes in the tooth structure, both remineralization and demineralization. Full article

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most common and important post-translational modifications (PTMs) and is highly involved in various biological processes. Ideal adsorbents with high sensitivity and specificity toward phosphopeptides with large coverage are therefore essential for enrichment and mass spectroscopy-based phosphoproteomics analysis. In this study, a newly designed IMAC adsorbent composite was constructed on the graphene matrix coated with mesoporous silica. The outer functional 3D-network layer was prepared by free radical polymerization of the phosphonate-functionalized vinyl imidazolium salt monomer and subsequent metal immobilization. Due to its unique structural feature and high content of Ti⁴⁺ ions, the resulting phosphonate-immobilized adsorbent composite G@mSiO₂@PPFIL-Ti⁴⁺ exhibits excellent performance in phosphopeptide enrichment with a low detection limit (0.1 fmol, tryptic β-casein digest) and superior selectivity (molar ratio of 1:15,000, digest mixture of β-casein and bovine serum albumin). G@mSiO₂@PPFIL-Ti⁴⁺ displays high tolerance to loading and elution conditions and thus can be reused without a marked decrease in enrichment efficacy. The captured phosphopeptides can be released globally, and mono-/multi-phosphopeptides can be isolated stepwise by gradient elution. When applying this material to enrich phosphopeptides from human lung cell lysates, a total of 3268 unique phosphopeptides were identified, corresponding to 1293 phosphoproteins. Furthermore, 2698 phosphorylated peptides were found to be differentially expressed (p < 0.05) between human lung adenocarcinoma cells (SPC-A1) and human normal epithelial cells (Beas-2B), of which 1592 were upregulated and 1106 were downregulated in the cancer group. These results demonstrate the material’s superior enrichment efficiency in complex biological samples. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to compare in vitro the protective effect of two enamel remineralizing agents, a varnish containing β-tricalcium phosphate with sodium fluoride (β-TCP-F) and a paste containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate with sodium fluoride (CPP-ACP-F), on artificially demineralized human enamel. Methods: A total of 120 human third molar enamel specimens were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 30 each): Group I (healthy enamel, control), Group II (initially demineralized, lesioned enamel), Group III (demineralized enamel and treated with β-TCP-F), and Group IV (demineralized enamel and treated with CPP-ACP-F). Groups II–IV underwent, for 15 days, a daily pH cycling regimen consisting of 21 h of demineralization under pH 4.4, followed by 3 h of remineralization under pH 7. Groups III and IV were treated with either β-TCP-F or CPP-ACP-F, prior to each 24 h demineralization–remineralization cycle. Fluoride ion release was measured after each pH cycle. Surface hardness, roughness, wettability, and Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation were assessed on days 5, 10, and 15 after a daily pH cycle. Results: CPP-ACP-F treatment showed a larger improvement in surface hardness (515.2 ± 10.7) compared to β-TCP-F (473.6 ± 12.8). Surface roughness decreased for both treatments compared to initially lesioned enamel; however, the decrease in roughness in the β-TCP-F group only reached a value of 1.193 μm after 15 days of treatment, a significantly larger value in comparison to healthy enamel. On the other hand, the decrease in roughness in the CPP-ACP-F treatment group reached a value of 0.76 μm, similar to that of healthy enamel. Contact angle measurements indicated that wettability increased in both treatment groups (β-TCP-F: 71.01°, CPP-ACP-F: 65.24°) compared to initially lesioned samples in Group II, reaching WCA values similar to or smaller than those of healthy enamel surfaces. Conclusions: Both treatments, β-TCP-F and CPP-ACP-F, demonstrated protective effects against enamel demineralization, with CPP-ACP-F showing superior enhancement of surface hardness and smoother enamel texture under in vitro pH cycling conditions. β-TCP-F varnish and CPP-ACP-F paste treatments counteracted surface modifications produced on human healthy enamel by in vitro demineralization. Full article

Objectives: This study aims to review the scientific literature on the prevention of white spot lesions (WSLs) associated with fixed orthodontic treatment. WSLs result from enamel demineralization and pose aesthetic and functional challenges. The study evaluates the effectiveness of various preventive interventions to reduce the risk of WSLs during orthodontic care. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MeSH terms such as “white spot”, “fixed orthodontic treatment”, “CPP-ACP”, “topical fluoride”, and “demineralized lesion”, combined with the Boolean operator ‘AND’. Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and OpenGrey, focusing on studies published between January 2014 and September 2024. The inclusion criteria required studies to evaluate interventions aimed at reducing WSL risk in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. A total of 41 articles were screened, with 17 selected based on relevance and methodological rigor. Results: The review identified several effective strategies for preventing WSLs. Topical fluoride applications, particularly high-concentration varnishes, significantly reduced WSL prevalence, with some studies favoring fluoride varnish over other interventions. CPP-ACP and CPP-ACPF formulations demonstrated potential for remineralizing demineralized enamel, especially when combined with fluoride toothpaste. High-fluoride toothpaste and acidulated phosphate fluoride mouthwash were effective in reducing lesion incidence, emphasizing the importance of patient compliance in daily oral hygiene routines. Professional interventions, such as fluoride varnish applications, showed enhanced outcomes when re-applied periodically. Conclusions: Preventing WSLs during orthodontic treatment is crucial for ensuring the aesthetic and functional success of therapy. Strategies combining fluoride-based interventions with casein phosphopeptide formulations offer significant benefits. However, patient education and adherence to recommended oral hygiene practices remain critical. Further research is needed to compare the long-term effectiveness of these interventions and to explore new technologies for WSL prevention. Full article

Dental caries is a widespread issue impacting global oral health. White spot lesions, the earliest stage of caries, compromise enamel’s esthetics and integrity. Remineralization therapies, both fluoride and non-fluoride based, aim to restore enamel, but limited comparative data exist on their effects on lesion depth and microhardness. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of remineralizing agents on lesion depth and microhardness of human teeth. The literature search included the following five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo, SCOPUS, and EMBASE from the period 2012 to October 2022. Studies evaluating lesion depth and microhardness in human teeth after the application of a remineralizing agent were considered for review. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). A random effect model was used to pool estimate of effect and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for surface microhardness and depth lesion. Subgroup analyses were performed considering the presence of fluoride or not in the remineralization agent. Thirty-three studies were included in the qualitative review. Of these, twenty-six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The main risks of bias associated with the studies included a lack of blinding of the test operator and failure to obtain sample size. To conclude, fluorinated agents are more effective in remineralizing artificially induced white spot lesion than non-fluoride remineralizing agents. Full article

Raw protein materials are beneficial for human health, so they are being increasingly used in health foods. In recent years, there has been more and more research on and applications of raw protein materials, but few teams have conducted a detailed review of the application status of raw protein materials in China’s health foods, the basis for their compliance and use, and the research on their health care functions. Therefore, this review evaluates the application of animal and plant proteins in China’s health foods, the impact of animal and plant proteins on human health, and future research recommendations for animal and plant proteins. This review analyzes and discusses the data on approved health foods that have been verified to contain raw protein materials (mainly including the number of protein health foods approved over the years, the classification of raw protein materials and types of relevant regulations, the analysis of the frequency of use of raw protein materials, and the functions of approved health foods). Through this process, the application of raw protein materials in health foods in China is systematically reviewed. In short, through data analysis, this study found that in 1996~2024, a total of 1142 health foods containing raw protein materials were approved in China, which are mainly divided into animal proteins, vegetable proteins, microbial proteins, and peptide raw materials, and peptide raw materials comprise the majority. The compliance applications of these ingredients are mainly related to China’s five categories of food regulations. The results show the following for health foods containing raw protein materials: in terms of the dosage form, they are mainly solid preparations; according to their functional claims, they mainly help to enhance immunity, help improve bone density, help improve skin moisture, and relieve physical fatigue; and in the application of raw materials, it is found that the use of raw materials such as casein phosphopeptide, soybean protein isolate, whey protein, collagen, spirulina, and other raw materials in products is relatively high. Finally, based on these studies, this paper discusses suggestions for raw protein materials in the future development of health food in China and also discusses the limitations of the current research in this review. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the change in enamel color and surface micro-hardness following the use of resin-infiltration concept material (ICON) and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP) remineralizing agent. Fifty-four extracted human third molars were collected and randomly divided into three groups: group A: control with no surface treatment; group B: treated using ICON; and group C: treated using CPP-ACFP. The change in color and micro-hardness of the enamel surface were measured using spectrophotometer and Vickers hardness number, respectively. The measurements were taken at three timelines; baseline (BL), after demineralization (DM), and after surface treatment (TX). The three groups showed no significant differences in enamel color change after demineralization (p < 0.05). However, after surface treatment in relation to the baseline, groups B and C had a significant increase in color change compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and group B showed a statistically significant increase in enamel color changes compared to group C. Additionally, all groups exhibited a significant reduction in enamel micro-hardness after demineralization in comparison to their baseline (p < 0.05). Group C showed a significant increase in micro-hardness after surface treatment compared to groups A and B (p < 0.05), while group B showed a significant decrease in enamel micro-hardness compared to groups A and C (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that teeth treated with CPP-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP) show a significant improvement in enamel surface color after demineralization compared to the teeth treated with resin infiltration (ICON) and the non-treated teeth. Additionally, enamel surfaces treated with CPP-ACFP show significant enamel hardness regaining, while resin infiltration (ICON) compromises enamel surface hardness. Full article

Background: Molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an enamel defect affecting molars and incisors, often leading to hypersensitivity, enamel breakdown, and increased caries risk. Non-invasive treatments, such as casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride varnish, show potential in remineralizing affected enamel and reducing sensitivity, but their efficacy is still debated. This study systematically reviews and analyzes the effectiveness of CPP-ACP and other non-invasive agents in improving remineralization and reducing hypersensitivity in MIH-affected teeth. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Central in July 2024, including interventional and observational studies on remineralization and hypersensitivity in pediatric MIH patients (<18 years). A total of 1566 studies were found, with 15 included in the meta-analysis. A random-effects model was applied, including subgroup analysis by lesion severity. Results: CPP-ACP showed no statistically significant advantage over fluoride in remineralization (MD −3.80, 95% CI: −8.57; 0.98), but it significantly reduced hypersensitivity compared to fluoride varnish (MD −2.36, 95% CI: −3.83; −0.89). Although this reduction in hypersensitivity may be clinically relevant, the high heterogeneity (I² = 83%) and wide confidence intervals limit the reliability of these findings. Conclusions: CPP-ACP has a moderate effect in reducing hypersensitivity but does not outperform fluoride in remineralization. Other agents, such as calcium glycerophosphate and silver diamine fluoride, showed mild benefits. The current evidence base is limited and heterogeneous, highlighting the need for high-quality, long-term studies to confirm these findings and guide MIH management. Full article

This concise review provides an update on the use of calcium-based materials for the prevention of dental caries. Some calcium-based materials promote remineralization and neutralize bacterial acids, disrupting cariogenic biofilms and inhibiting bacterial growth. Medical Subject Headings of [Dental Caries] and [Calcium] were adopted to search publications. Information related to the aim of this review was extracted and summarized. Common calcium-based materials are calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, calcium fluoride and casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). Calcium phosphate is commonly used in toothpaste. It provides calcium and phosphate ions, enhances the incorporation of fluoride into caries lesions and increases mineral density. Hydroxyapatite is a form of calcium phosphate that is chemically similar to the mineral found in teeth. It can be applied on teeth to prevent caries. Calcium carbonate can be found in toothpastes. It neutralizes bacterial acids and acts as a calcium reservoir during remineralization. Calcium fluoride is found in dental products and promotes remineralization as a source of fluoride, which can be incorporated into tooth enamel, forming fluorapatite and increasing resistance to caries. CPP-ACP is derived from milk proteins. It contains calcium and phosphate, which help to remineralize tooth enamel. CPP-ACP inhibits cariogenic bacteria. It also interacts with bacterial biofilms and disrupts their formation. These calcium-based materials can be used to boost the preventive effect of fluorides or, alternatively, as a therapy for caries prevention. Full article

Background: This study looks at the clinical applications of nanotechnology in dentistry, with an emphasis on implantology, preventive care, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and endodontics. Methods: Following PRISMA criteria and registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD 564245), a PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science search was conducted for studies from January 2014 to April 2024. The criteria were English-language research on nanotechnology in dental coatings, with a focus on clinical trials and observational studies. The electronic database search yielded 8881 publications. Following the screening process, 17 records were selected for qualitative analysis. Results: Nanotechnology has revolutionized dentistry. In orthodontics, nanoparticles improve antibacterial characteristics, durability, and biocompatibility, lowering bacterial colonization and plaque. In preventative care, Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) combined with stannous fluoride (SnF₂) and nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPnano) substantially remineralizes enamel. Nanostructured surfaces in dental implants, particularly those containing calcium, improve osseointegration and stability. Nanoparticles in restorative dentistry improve composite and adhesive strength, aesthetics, and longevity. Conclusions: Nanotechnology improves dental materials and equipment, resulting in better treatment outcomes and increased patient comfort. Its integration provides more effective treatments, which improves dental care and patient outcomes. More research is needed to overcome present problems and expand nanotechnology’s medicinal applications. Full article

In this work, a new type of FE-1 COF material is prepared by a reversible imine condensation reaction with diaminoferrocene and diaminodiformaldehyde as materials. The material is connected by imine bonds to form a COF skeleton, and the presence of plenty of nitrogen-containing groups gives the material good hydrophilicity; the presence of metal Fe ions provides the material application potential in the enrichment of phosphopeptides. According to the different binding abilities of N-glycopeptide and phosphopeptide on FE-1 COF, it can simultaneously enrich N-glycopeptide and phosphopeptide through different elution conditions to realize its controllable and selective enrichment. Using the above characteristics, 18 phosphopeptides were detected from α-casein hydrolysate, 8 phosphopeptides were detected from β-casein hydrolysate and 21 glycopeptides were detected from IgG hydrolysate. Finally, the gradual elution strategy was used; 16 phosphopeptides and 19 glycopeptides were detected from the α-casein hydrolysate and IgG hydrolysate. The corresponding glycopeptides and phosphopeptides were identified from the human serum. It proves that the FE-1 COF material has a good enrichment effect on phosphopeptides and glycopeptides. Full article

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common challenge in pediatric patients with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), stemming from enamel porosity or exposed dentin after enamel breakdown. This three-arm randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three different desensitizing treatment protocols. The study was conducted on 39 children, aged 6–14 years old, with MIH and DH. Group A received casein phosphopeptide plus amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF) mousse and sham light therapy, Group B received placebo mousse and photo-bio-modulation therapy (PMBT), and Group C received both CPP-ACPF mousse and PMBT. DH evaluation using a visual analogue scale was performed at multiple time points. Both CPP-ACPF mousse and PMBT individually demonstrated desensitizing effects on dental elements affected by MIH. While PMBT had a greater immediate effect, the combination of the two therapies proved most effective in reducing DH. The VAS scores were statistically lower in group C compared to groups A and B, both after the first session (p = 0.0001) and after 28 days (p = 0.0005). This study suggests promising avenues for managing DH in MIH patients, highlighting the potential of combined therapies, specifically CPP-ACPF mousse and PMBT, for enhanced clinical outcomes. Full article