Introduction
Oral health is an essential component of overall well-being is often neglected across world and specially in India. Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay or cavity, is among the most widespread oral diseases globally. It is one of the prime causative agents of oral discomfort and reason for patients to visit dental clinics or hospitals. According to the WHO, proximally 60–90% of children and nearly 100% of adults worldwide have had caries.1
In India overall prevalence of dental caries was 54.16%, whereas age-specific prevalence was 62% in patients above 18 years and 52% among 3–18 years of age. Maximum overall prevalence was noted in mixed dentition (58%). Region wise prevalence was more in western India (72%).2
Dental carries are multifactorial disease and one of the important cause is an imbalance between minerals loss (demineralization) and minerals gain (remineralization) from saliva. Microorganisms, substrate, host/teeth and time are the main factors leading to the terminal stage of continuous minerals loss is marked by the destruction of tooth structure, as known as “dental caries”. The acidic attack from cariogenic bacteria found in dental plaque biofilm growth over the tooth is responsible for the consecutive net minerals loss.
Demineralization
Demineralization refers to the depletion of mineral ions from the hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals that compose the hard tissues of the teeth, including enamel and dentin. If not addressed, this can result in dental cavities. Demineralization takes place when the pH level of the plaque drops below 5.5, often caused by the creation of acids by plaque microbes as they break down dietary carbohydrates. The acids dissolve the mineral content of HA crystals, resulting in the enlargement of the inter crystalline space and the increased softness and porosity of the enamel surface. White spot lesions may occur, indicating the initial stages of tooth decay, characterized by the presence of opaque white patches on the enamel surface.3, 4
The following are preventive measures against demineralization
Fluoride usage: Fluoride has the ability to improve the process of remineralization and increase the enamel's resistance to acid erosion.
Remineralizing toothpaste: Remineralizing toothpaste contains fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, which are necessary for the process of restoring minerals to the tooth enamel. Regular utilization of these substances might facilitate the provision of essential minerals required for the restoration and fortification of tooth enamel, hence enhancing its resistance against further acid assaults.
Dietary regulation: Restricting the consumption of sweets and acids can decrease the likelihood of demineralization.
Oral hygiene: Consistently brushing and flossing helps eliminate plaque and decrease the likelihood of acid formation.
Saliva stimulation: Saliva stimulation can be achieved by chewing sugar-free gum or using other techniques. This helps to neutralize acids and supply minerals for the process of remineralization.
Remineralization
Remineralization refers to the redeposition of minerals into the crystalline structure of enamel. Demineralization occurs when the pH level in the mouth decreases as a result of consuming acidic foods or beverages or due to bacterial metabolism. This leads to the loss of minerals such as calcium and phosphate from the enamel. Failure to restore the pH level to a more neutral state might perpetuate the demineralization process, resulting in enamel deterioration and the development of caries (cavities).6
Remineralizing agents are substances that can counteract this process by supplying the essential minerals needed to restore the enamel prior to the formation of cavities.6
Remineralization is important because
It repairs early caries: Initial non-cavitated lesions can often be remineralized, preventing the progression to cavities.
It strengthens enamel: Remineralization creates acid-resistant crystals that are less soluble than the original enamel.
It maintains tooth integrity: By restoring minerals to enamel, remineralization helps maintain the strength and function of teeth.
Role of Calcium Sucrose Phosphate
Calcium sucrose phosphate, also known as anticay, is a versatile remineralizing agent that plays a crucial role in strengthening teeth and preventing decay. Calcium sucrose phosphate is a combination of three essential components: calcium, sucrose, and phosphate. High amounts of soluble calcium and phosphate ions are supplied by the Calcium Sucrose Phosphate. It is composed of 15% by weight of inorganic calcium orthophosphate and 85% by weight of calcium salts of phosphoric acid esters of sucrose.7, 8
Table 1
Evidence with calcium sucrose phosphate
Dental caries, often known as cavities, occur when the enamel, dentin, or cementum of the teeth are demineralized as a result of acid generation by bacterial populations. The production of these acids is a result of the metabolic breakdown of carbohydrates from the food. This process leads to the dissolution of the mineral component of the tooth, causing the release of calcium and phosphate ions. Remineralization refers to the redeposition of calcium and phosphate ions inside the decayed area. This procedure results in the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals that are bigger and more resilient against the corrosive effects of demineralization caused by acid. Calcium Sucrose Phosphate participation is vital in this process as it supplies calcium and phosphate ions that are utilized for the remineralization process.7, 8 (Figure 3)
Calcium sucrose phosphate is regarded as a superior agent for remineralization when compared to others due to various reasons:
High Concentration of Ions: Calcium sucrose phosphate generates an aqueous solution with a substantial concentration of calcium (10-12%) and phosphate (8-10%) ions by weight, without causing precipitation. This is crucial for the process of remineralization.
Solubility: Calcium sucrose phosphate is highly soluble in water, resulting in a significant release of calcium and phosphate ions, surpassing the typical levels found in saliva. The great solubility of these ions guarantees their easy accessibility for the process of enamel remineralization.
Plaque Inhibition: Calcium sucrose phosphate effectively hinders the development of dental plaque, a favorable outcome as plaque can serve as a breeding ground for acid-producing bacteria, resulting in demineralization.
Enhanced Enamel Properties: Research has demonstrated that Calcium sucrose phosphate can augment the microhardness of enamel, indicating that it not only facilitates remineralization but also improves the quality of the enamel surface.
Long-Term Effectiveness: Calcium sucrose phosphate has demonstrated substantial remineralization effects throughout a timeframe of 7 to 14 days after treatment, suggesting its ability to consistently promote remineralization over an extended period 9, 10.
Evidence with Calcium sucrose phosphate.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Refer Table 1.
Discussion
Dental caries, despite various modern advancements, remains as one of the most widespread pandemic diseases worldwide. A combination of diet, pathogenic bacteria (plaque), and unfavorable salivary components together leads to production of organic acids which results in drop in pH, eventually leading to demineralization and cavitation. Fluoride has been considered the cornerstone of remineralization. Studies have shown that fluoride drives the process of remineralization only if there is adequate supply of calcium and phosphate. Further, along with calcium and phosphate, calcium sucrose phosphate (CaSP) addition was studied which also showed synergistic benefits. Anticay, a CaSP–calcium orthophosphate complex, supplies both calcium and phosphate in a soluble form. This complex helps reduce the acid solubility of enamel and increase the rate of remineralization by a common ion effect. Furthermore, it has shown to inhibit the formation and adherence of plaque to the enamel surface.
Conclusion
Calcium sucrose phosphate (CaSP) is an effective agent in the prevention and management of dental caries. Its primary function is to facilitate the remineralization of tooth enamel by providing bioavailable calcium and phosphate ions. CaSP may help in maintaining a neutral pH in the oral environment, inhibiting plaque formation, and enhancing enamel resistance to acid attacks thus Calcium Sucrose Phosphate in toothpaste strengthened the enamel. CaSP toothpaste also showed substantivity and plaque-reducing ability. When used in combination with fluoride, CaSP’s efficacy in preventing dental caries is further enhanced. Due to its non-toxic nature and additional benefits in oral health, CaSP is a valuable component in dental care products aimed at reducing the incidence of dental caries.
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