Tricalcium silicate induces enamel remineralization in human saliva

Background/purposeSevere tooth demineralization by production of acid leads to dental caries. In this study, we investigate the repairing effect of tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO4) ceramics on acid-etched enamel in natural human saliva.Materials and methodsThe demineralization of enamel discs was simulated with citric acid, and they were then brushed with Ca3SiO4 paste. The treated discs were placed in human saliva for 1 day or 3 days at 36.5°C, and then the surface morphologies and structures were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).ResultsCa3SiO4 ceramics can induce enamel remineralization in human saliva and form a compact Ca–P mineralized layer onto the etched enamel surface. After soaking for 1 day, the thickness was 200–250 nm and the interface bonded well. The chemical components and structure of the mineralized layer were similar to those of the enamel matrix. After soaking for 3 days, the surface roughness of the enamel surface became lower.ConclusionThe bioactive Ca3SiO4 repaired the acid-etched enamel successfully and protected the demineralized teeth.