Overview of calcium phosphates used in biomimetic oral care

Calcium phosphates represent a group of common agents used in oral care that can be considered biomimetic due to the fact that the mineral phase of teeth consists of the same basic compound. Fluorides have been proven to efficiently reduce caries, but due to persistent high prevalence of this disease and the possible side effects of fluorides under certain conditions there is still a need to improve and also explore alternative ways for the prevention of tooth decay [36]. Several different calcium phosphates are already clinically proven as anti-caries agents. Therefore, both fundamental studies on interaction mechanisms and further clinical studies on alternative, biomimetic agents are needed to help reduce the still high global caries prevalence. Among the different calcium phosphates, HAP and ACP have been most intensively studied and their efficiency in oral care has been shown in various in situ and in vivo studies. Therefore, they are clear favorites for the development of innovative biomimetic oral care concepts. However, the potential of other calcium phosphates for oral care applications should be analyzed in further studies. HAP and ACP show manifold activity in reduction of biofilms and remineralization of enamel and dentin. In contrast to fluorides, calcium phosphates are ideally suited especially for young children and individuals suffering from hyposalivation.