Demineralization-remineralization Dynamics in Teeth and Bone

Overview

Journal Int J Nanomedicine

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Biotechnology

Date 2016 Oct 4

PMID 27695330

Citations 194

Authors

Ensanya Ali Abou Neel

Anas Aljabo

Adam Strange

Salwa Ibrahim

Melanie Coathup

Anne M Young

Laurent Bozec

Vivek Mudera

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Biomineralization is a dynamic, complex, lifelong process by which living organisms control precipitations of inorganic nanocrystals within organic matrices to form unique hybrid biological tissues, for example, enamel, dentin, cementum, and bone. Understanding the process of mineral deposition is important for the development of treatments for mineralization-related diseases and also for the innovation and development of scaffolds. This review provides a thorough overview of the up-to-date information on the theories describing the possible mechanisms and the factors implicated as agonists and antagonists of mineralization. Then, the role of calcium and phosphate ions in the maintenance of teeth and bone health is described. Throughout the life, teeth and bone are at risk of demineralization, with particular emphasis on teeth, due to their anatomical arrangement and location. Teeth are exposed to food, drink, and the microbiota of the mouth; therefore, they have developed a high resistance to localized demineralization that is unmatched by bone. The mechanisms by which demineralization-remineralization process occurs in both teeth and bone and the new therapies/technologies that reverse demineralization or boost remineralization are also scrupulously discussed. Technologies discussed include composites with nano- and micron-sized inorganic minerals that can mimic mechanical properties of the tooth and bone in addition to promoting more natural repair of surrounding tissues. Turning these new technologies to products and practices would improve health care worldwide.

Citing Articles

The Effect of Different pH and Temperature Values on Ca, F, PO, OH, Si, and Sr Release from Different Bioactive Restorative Dental Materials: An In Vitro Study.

Aliberti A, Di Duca F, Triassi M, Montuori P, Scippa S, Piscopo M Polymers (Basel). 2025; 17(5).

PMID: 40076132 PMC: 11902544. DOI: 10.3390/polym17050640.

In vitro evaluation of human enamel remineralization after treatment with Ginger, Ashwaganda and Maca herbal dentifrices versus commercially available fluoride containing dentifrice.

Elzayat G, Elmergawy F, Nemt Allah A BDJ Open. 2025; 11(1):22.

PMID: 40032845 PMC: 11876320. DOI: 10.1038/s41405-025-00298-9.

Evaluation of Broccoli Extract for Enhancing Primary Tooth Enamel Microhardness: An In Vitro Study.

Mozaffar S, Karimi M, Ismail A, Banakar M Health Sci Rep. 2025; 8(2):e70505.

PMID: 39980822 PMC: 11839393. DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70505.

The Remineralization Potential of Fluoride, Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, and Chicken Eggshell on Enamel Lesions: An In Vitro Study.

Bandekar S, Parkhi S, Kshirsagar S, Sathawane N, Khan W, Razdan P Cureus. 2025; 17(1):e77396.

PMID: 39949454 PMC: 11821557. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.77396.

Development and Evaluation of Gelatin-Based Gummy Jellies Enriched with Oregano Oil: Impact on Functional Properties and Controlled Release.

Ganea M, Georgiana Ioana P, Ghitea T, Stefan L, Groza F, Frent O Foods. 2025; 14(3).

PMID: 39942072 PMC: 11817771. DOI: 10.3390/foods14030479.

References

Skrtic D, Antonucci J, McDonough W, Liu D . Effect of chemical structure and composition of the resin phase on mechanical strength and vinyl conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate-based composites. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2004; 68(4):763-72. DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.20111. View

Puleo D, Kissling R, Sheu M . A technique to immobilize bioactive proteins, including bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), on titanium alloy. Biomaterials. 2002; 23(9):2079-87. DOI: 10.1016/s0142-9612(01)00339-8. View

Skrtic D, Antonucci J, Eanes E . Amorphous Calcium Phosphate-Based Bioactive Polymeric Composites for Mineralized Tissue Regeneration. J Res Natl Inst Stand Technol. 2016; 108(3):167-82. PMC: 4844509. DOI: 10.6028/jres.108.017. View

WEIDMANN S, Eyre D . Amino acid composition of enamel protein in the fully developed human tooth. Caries Res. 1967; 1(4):349-55. DOI: 10.1159/000259535. View

Kohli S, Kohli V . Role of RANKL-RANK/osteoprotegerin molecular complex in bone remodeling and its immunopathologic implications. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011; 15(3):175-81. PMC: 3156536. DOI: 10.4103/2230-8210.83401. View

Orimo H . The mechanism of mineralization and the role of alkaline phosphatase in health and disease. J Nippon Med Sch. 2010; 77(1):4-12. DOI: 10.1272/jnms.77.4. View

Habelitz S . Materials engineering by ameloblasts. J Dent Res. 2015; 94(6):759-67. PMC: 4485329. DOI: 10.1177/0022034515577963. View

Vanderby R, Provenzano P . Collagen in connective tissue: from tendon to bone. J Biomech. 2003; 36(10):1523-7. DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9290(03)00132-5. View

Anderson H, Matsuzawa T, Sajdera S, Ali S . Membranous particles in calcifying cartilage matrix. Trans N Y Acad Sci. 1970; 32(5):619-30. DOI: 10.1111/j.2164-0947.1970.tb02737.x. View

10.

Boivin G, Meunier P . Changes in bone remodeling rate influence the degree of mineralization of bone. Connect Tissue Res. 2002; 43(2-3):535-7. DOI: 10.1080/03008200290000934. View

11.

Kobayashi M, Nakamura T, Tamura J, Kokubo T, Kikutani T . Bioactive bone cement: comparison of AW-GC filler with hydroxyapatite and beta-TCP fillers on mechanical and biological properties. J Biomed Mater Res. 1997; 37(3):301-13. DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4636(19971205)37:3<301::aid-jbm1>3.0.co;2-p. View

12.

Hessle L, Johnson K, Anderson H, Narisawa S, Sali A, Goding J . Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase and plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1 are central antagonistic regulators of bone mineralization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002; 99(14):9445-9. PMC: 123160. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.142063399. View

13.

Bodingbauer M, Wekerle T, Pakrah B, Roschger P, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Silberhumer G . Prophylactic bisphosphonate treatment prevents bone fractures after liver transplantation. Am J Transplant. 2007; 7(7):1763-9. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2007.01844.x. View

14.

Lussi A, Megert B, Shellis R, Wang X . Analysis of the erosive effect of different dietary substances and medications. Br J Nutr. 2011; 107(2):252-62. DOI: 10.1017/S0007114511002820. View

15.

Cildir S, Germec D, Sandalli N, Ozdemir F, Arun T, Twetman S . Reduction of salivary mutans streptococci in orthodontic patients during daily consumption of yoghurt containing probiotic bacteria. Eur J Orthod. 2009; 31(4):407-11. DOI: 10.1093/ejo/cjn108. View

16.

Reynolds E, Cai F, Shen P, Walker G . Retention in plaque and remineralization of enamel lesions by various forms of calcium in a mouthrinse or sugar-free chewing gum. J Dent Res. 2003; 82(3):206-11. DOI: 10.1177/154405910308200311. View

17.

Fratzl-Zelman N, Valenta A, Roschger P, Nader A, Gelb B, Fratzl P . Decreased bone turnover and deterioration of bone structure in two cases of pycnodysostosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004; 89(4):1538-47. DOI: 10.1210/jc.2003-031055. View

18.

Haukioja A . Probiotics and oral health. Eur J Dent. 2010; 4(3):348-55. PMC: 2897872. View

19.

Hardie J . The microbiology of dental caries. Dent Update. 1982; 9(4):199-200, 202-4, 206-8. View

20.

Abou Neel E, Bozec L, Knowles J, Syed O, Mudera V, Day R . Collagen--emerging collagen based therapies hit the patient. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2012; 65(4):429-56. DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.08.010. View