Ionic species in oral environment

The ionic species in the oral environment represent a collective group of inorganic electrolytes, including calcium, phosphate, fluoride, bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are dissolved in saliva and the oral biofilm [1]. These species are not a single molecular target but rather a chemical milieu essential for the preservation of dental enamel and the regulation of oral pH [2]. The primary biological function of these ions is to maintain the mineral equilibrium of the teeth; calcium and phosphate ions support the remineralization of hydroxyapatite, while bicarbonate acts as a buffer against bacterial acids [3]. Fluoride ions are particularly significant as they catalyze the remineralization process and incorporate into the tooth structure to form acid-resistant fluorapatite [2,4]. Therapeutic interventions in dentistry, such as fluoride treatments and remineralizing pastes, specifically aim to modulate the concentrations of these ions to prevent or reverse dental caries and erosion [3,4]. Sources: [1] StatPearls: Saliva Composition and Functions; [2] NIH/NIDCR: Fluoride and Dental Health; [3] Journal of Dentistry: Remineralization of Enamel; [4] PubMed: Salivary Buffering Systems.

Other names

Salivary ionsOral electrolytesDental mineral ionsSalivary electrolytesOral ionic milieu

Therapeutic agents modulate the concentration and bioavailability of these ions to shift the chemical equilibrium toward mineral precipitation (remineralization) and inhibit the dissolution of dental enamel (demineralization) by forming acid-resistant mineral phases like fluorapatite [1,2,3].