Does this Chinese study prove that natural enamel "regrowth" is possible?
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A novel way to repair tooth enamel - Zhejiang University
PubMed link to studyIt's widely believed that enamel can be remineralized, but not replaced on a part of a tooth once it's gone. This Chinese study has shown enamel "regrowth" (I say "regrowth" in quotes because enamel is not living tissue so it's technically being 'deposited' rather than "grown") with only the components calcium, phosphorus, and trimethylamine as a stabilizing agent. Calcium and phosphorus are the minerals used for natural remineralization by saliva. The thinking went that once the matrix-structure of enamel has been destroyed, it is not possible for it to remineralize, as the structure is necessary for the correct placement of minerals. This study seems to show that it is in fact possible using only natural components found in saliva.
Let me know if you find any errors in my interpretation of this study.
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Look into hydroxyapatite.
Hydroxyapatite in Oral Care Products—A Review -
@donovan all the studies for HPA seem to be on incipient decay, not progressed decay with destroyed enamel and tooth structure, so there’s no clear research I’ve found on the structure being re-formed through the introduction of enamel-like components. Possible that scientists just assume it isn’t possible so they haven’t studied it, although it seems plausible that if you can restrengthen existing enamel with calcium and phosphorus those same minerals will reform the structure itself.
