'Mineral maintenance' of dental structures in caries and erosive tooth wear: an holistic model

Abstract

it is argued that dental structures within the oral environment have evolved with an ability to resist dissolution when exposed to acidic conditions, and to promote remineralisation after damage has occured. It is hypothesised that dietry acids acted as one of the selected forces in the evolution of the oral environment. It appears that a balance was achieved in hunter-gatherer populations, with the composition and action of saliva, and associated oral biofilms, evolving to protec the teeth against dietry acids. However, in the relatively short period of time since the development of farming and especially with the adoption of modern cultural practices, changes in diet have overwhelmed the oral environment, creating an imbalance. In general, the vast increase in consumption of acidic foods and drinks has decreased the protective mechanisms of saliva. Similarly, the increased consumption of sugar has changed the ecology of oral biofilms, leading to and maintaining a lower oral pH. A combination of these factors has tipped the balance towards demineralisation and icreased the risk of oral diseases, such as dental caries and erosive wear, that are prevalent in many of today's societies.