Abstract |
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.
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Authors | C Hannig, M Hannig |
Journal | Medical hypotheses
(Med Hypotheses)
Vol. 74
Issue 4
Pg. 670-2
(Apr 2010)
ISSN: 1532-2777 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 19962245
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Biofilms
- Dental Caries
(prevention & control)
- Dental Enamel
(microbiology)
- Durapatite
- Humans
- Mouth
(microbiology)
- Tooth Abrasion
(complications)
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