Polyols and remineralisation of enamel subsurface lesions.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
In vitro bench study evaluating enamel remineralisation without human participants
PubMed 28838679 · doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2017.08.008
What was done
This in vitro controlled study evaluated the effect of four polyols on the remineralisation of enamel subsurface lesions. Enamel specimens with subsurface lesions were exposed for 7 days at 37°C (solutions replaced daily) to artificial saliva (AS) or AS containing the salivary biomimetic casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP; 0.376% w/v), with or without one of four polyols (xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol, or mannitol at 12.6% w/v). Remineralisation was quantified using transverse microradiography.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values. Equivalence testing showed no difference in remineralisation between artificial saliva with or without any of the polyols. The AS + CPP-ACP solution substantially promoted remineralisation compared with AS alone, and this effect occurred independently of polyol presence.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that polyols do not directly drive chemical remineralisation of enamel subsurface lesions via enhanced calcium uptake. Caries-preventive effects observed clinically with polyol chewing gums are likely driven by salivary stimulation or plaque effects rather than intrinsic remineralising properties of polyols.
Limits
This was an in vitro model that excludes biological factors such as dental plaque biofilm, acquired pellicle, and natural salivary clearance dynamics. The abstract does not report the specimen sample size or quantitative microradiographic measurements.
Cited by
- partial Xylitol stimulates saliva production, bringing higher levels of minerals and immunoglobulins to oral tissues.