Models and role models

Area of Science:

• * Dental research
• * Oral microbiology
• * Biomaterials science

Background:

• * Dental caries remains a significant public health concern.
• * Existing research models have limitations in fully replicating the oral environment.
• * Understanding the multifactorial etiology of dental caries is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To develop and utilize a suite of experimental models for comprehensive dental caries research.
• * To investigate the chemical and bacterial factors contributing to enamel and dentine demineralization.
• * To evaluate the efficacy of oral care products and novel agents in preventing or treating dental caries.

Main Methods:

• * pH-cycling model: Simulates chemical demineralization/remineralization in enamel and dentine.
• * In situ models: Assess oral environment factors and fluoride toothpaste efficacy in vivo.
• * Amsterdam Active Attachment biofilm model: Replicates dental plaque microbial communities and their interactions.

Main Results:

• * The pH-cycling model facilitates understanding of fluoride action and oral care product formulation.
• * In situ models provide insights into de/remineralization balance and fluoride efficacy.
• * The biofilm model captures bacterial behavior in a plaque-like environment, expanding etiological understanding.

Conclusions:

• * A combination of pH-cycling, in situ, and biofilm models offers a comprehensive approach to studying dental caries.
• * These models enable the evaluation of separate processes contributing to caries and the assessment of interventions.
• * Future development of computer models integrating data from these experimental systems is suggested to guide research.