An Update on Current Remineralizing Agent

Dental caries is a dynamic process which occurs when demineralization exceeds remineralization. But progression of dental caries is a slow process and during early stages noninvasive intervention can convert the lesion to inactive state from an active state. This principle is the key to preventive dentistry. Dental hard tissues are continuously undergoing

cycles of demineralization and remineralization. A drop in pH of oral cavity results in demineralization which if continued leads to loss of minerals from tooth structure resulting in dental caries. The reversal can occur if pH rises resulting in deposition of calcium, phosphate and fluoride Worldwide contribution of dental caries to the burden of oral diseases is about 10 times higher than that of periodontal disease, than other common oral conditions . Owing to its globally high prevalence, dental caries is a 'pandemic' disease characterized by a high percentage of untreated cariouscavities causing pain, discomfort and functional limitations. Untreated carious cavities, furthermore, has significant impact on the general health of children and on social and economic wellbeing of communities .

A surgical approach for the elimination of carious lesion was developed only a century ago; this approach was necessary during that time, because there was no valid alternative. The focus on caries has recently shifted to the development of methodologies for the detection of the early stages of caries lesions and the use of non-invasive treatment for these lesions