Protocols to Study Dental Caries In Vitro: pH Cycling Models.

Area of Science:

• Dental research
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Laboratory models are crucial for simulating in vivo caries studies.
• Clinical conditions involve constant demineralization and remineralization cycles (pH cycling).
• Investigational products like toothpaste briefly interrupt these cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and categorize pH cycling models used in caries research.
• To highlight their role as alternatives to animal testing.
• To discuss the applications and limitations of different model types.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of pH cycling models into "demineralization" and "remineralization" types.
• Description of model development based on pH cycling.
• Focus on suitability for ionic fluoride-based dentifrices.

Main Results:

• pH cycling models are widely accepted by the scientific community and industry.
• Models are tailored to assess either caries prevention (net demineralization) or early caries remineralization (net remineralization).
• Detailed descriptions of model disadvantages and applications are provided.

Conclusions:

• pH cycling models effectively mimic oral conditions for caries research.
• The "demineralization" and "remineralization" classifications provide a useful framework.
• These models are valuable tools for evaluating anticaries and remineralizing agents.