Mineralized dentin and enamel surfaces

Mineralized dentin and enamel surfaces represent the primary structural components of the human tooth, composed predominantly of hydroxyapatite crystals embedded in an organic matrix. Enamel is the most highly mineralized tissue in the body, consisting of approximately 96% inorganic material, which protects the tooth from wear and acid-induced dissolution (StatPearls, 2023). Dentin, located beneath the enamel, is less mineralized and contains dentinal tubules that transmit sensory stimuli to the dental pulp (NIH, 2022). These surfaces serve as the therapeutic target for various dental agents aimed at preventing or reversing demineralization caused by bacterial acids or dietary factors (Journal of Dentistry, 2019). Drugs such as fluoride interact with these surfaces by substituting hydroxyl groups in the crystal lattice to form fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid dissolution (PubMed, 2021). Additionally, treatments for dentin hypersensitivity target the mineralized surface to occlude exposed tubules, thereby blocking the hydrodynamic stimuli that cause pain (British Dental Journal, 2020). Silver diamine fluoride is also utilized to arrest carious lesions by reacting with the mineralized surface to form silver phosphate and calcium fluoride, providing both antimicrobial and remineralizing benefits (Journal of Dental Research, 2018).

Other names

Dental hard tissuesTooth mineralHydroxyapatite matrixEnamel and dentin substrate

Promotion of remineralization through the formation of fluorapatite, inhibition of demineralization by reducing acid solubility, and physical occlusion of dentinal tubules to mitigate hypersensitivity.