Tooth enamel repair and treatment of hypersensitive teeth with hydroxyapatite

introduction

The loss of hard tooth structure is not of great importance in adolescence. However, the degradation of tooth enamel increases with age, so that around a quarter of adults suffer from hypersensitive teeth – a consequence of the loss of hard tooth substance. The term erosion is often used in this context. However, this has to be differentiated more precisely: Erosion describes the acid-induced degradation of tooth enamel without bacterial involvement. Attrition is the wear and tear of the tooth enamel through tooth-tooth contact (e.g. Bruxism). Abrasion is the “sanding off” of tooth enamel by brushing your teeth or using unsuitable toothpaste. The consequence of these tooth enamel defects is often hypersensitive teeth. As a preventive measure, the tooth can be protected from this degradation by a protective layer and thus also counteract hypersensitive teeth.

Question

Can hydroxyapatite form a protective layer on teeth under in vivo conditions?

material and methods

This in vivoThe study was embedded in a large study to examine hypersensitive teeth. In this context, the teeth of a total of 12 participants (TN) had to be extracted after giving their consent. The participants were divided into three groups and observed over a period of 8 weeks. One group (5 participants) used a hydroxylapatite-containing toothpaste (Nordic Smile) for daily dental care, the second group (5 participants) used a KNO3 / NaF-containing toothpaste and the third group (2 participants) used a non-specific fluoride-containing toothpaste. All participants had hypersensitive teeth, healthy gums and were between 18 and 75 years old. After 8 weeks the teeth were extracted and examined microscopically (scanning electron microscopy and IR spectroscopy) for the formation of a protective layer.

Results

Hydroxyapatite forms a protective layer on the surface of the tooth enamel. Like tooth enamel itself, this consists of calcium and phosphate ions. The toothpaste containing KNO3 / NaF did not form a protective layer. Fluorides could not be detected on the surface. The teeth of the participants who used a non-specific fluoride-containing toothpaste showed tooth enamel defects.

conclusion

Toothpaste containing hydroxylapatite is the only one that can form a protective layer on the tooth in vivo and protect it from erosion, attrition and abrasion.

Figure: Protective layer with hydroxyapatite