Natural enamel wear--a physiological source of hydroxylapatite nanoparticles for biofilm management and tooth repair?
Dental caries is a widespread chronic disease caused by glucolytic biofilms. Despite considerable success in prophylaxis, there is still a strong demand for biomimetic biofilm management. Reflections on the abraded, but mostly caries-free teeth observed in prehistoric sculls or omnivorous primates, respectively, offer perspectives for developing new approaches in preventive dentistry. It is hypothesized that nano-sized hydroxylapatite crystallites occur in the oral cavity during extensive physiological wear of the hierarchical structured enamel surface due to dental abrasion and attrition. These nano-scaled apatite enamel crystallites might promote re-mineralization and physiological biofilm management at the tooth surface. Indeed, modern bioinspired nanomaterials in preventive dentistry containing nano-sized hydroxylapatite particles have shown efficacy in reducing oral biofilm formation and yield re-mineralizing effects. Accordingly, they seem to mimic extensive abrasions which do not occur with modern diet.
Hannig
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Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany. christian.hannig@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Hannig
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D018441:Biofilms; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000382:microbiology*; D017886:Durapatite; D006801:Humans; D009055:Mouth / Q000382:microbiology; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000150:complications*
D017886:Durapatite