Dentifrices, mouthwashes, and remineralization/caries arrestment strategies

Fluoride is considered to be the gold standard active agent in anti-caries toothpastes

Recommendations for fluoride use by patients at different levels of caries risk are mainly based on the adage that more is better. There is a general understanding that the fluoride compound, concentration, frequency of use, duration of exposure, and method of delivery can influence fluoride efficacy. Two important factors are (1) the initial interaction of relatively high concentrations of fluoride with the tooth surface and plaque during application and (2) the retention of fluoride in oral fluids after application.

Fluoride dentifrices remain the most widely used method of delivering topical fluoride. The efficacy of this approach in preventing dental caries is beyond dispute. .


Requirements of an ideal remineralization material

Diffuses into the subsurface, or delivers calcium and phosphate into the subsurface
Does not deliver an excess of calcium
Does not favour calculus formation
Works at an acidic pH
Works in xerostomic patients
Boosts the remineralizing properties of saliva
For novel materials, shows a benefit over fluoride