The present disclosure generally relates to dental care. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to oral care products for the improved mineralization/remineralization of teeth.
Enamel and dentin in teeth are primarily composed of calcium phosphate in the form of calcium hydroxyapatite. This material is highly insoluble at neutral salivary pH levels, but tends to dissolve in acidic media. Consequently, when teeth are exposed to acids generated during the bacterial-induced glycolysis of carbohydrates, lesions or demineralized areas are initiated below the surface of intact enamel since the outer rim is more acid resistant. Dental caries begin with these subsurface lesions, which are formed before a cavity is even detectable. If not treated, the surface enamel above such a subsurface lesion will eventually collapse, resulting in the formation of a cavity and subsequent loss of tooth structure.