Dental Erosion Management: From Remineralization to Emerging Regenerative Approaches-A Narrative Review

Dental erosion has emerged as a significant modern oral health problem, characterized by the chemical dissolution of tooth structure resulting from frequent exposure to intrinsic or extrinsic acids. With a high global prevalence ranging from 30% to 50% in children and 20% to 40% in adults, its management is a clinical priority to prevent long-term complications like dentine hypersensitivity and functional impairment. This review outlines the multifactorial etiology of erosion, encompassing dietary acids, gastroesophageal reflux, and reduced salivary flow. The historical context of oral care is explored, leading to a discussion on contemporary management strategies centered on remineralization. Fluoride ions play a crucial role by inhibiting demineralization, facilitating the formation of acid-resistant fluorapatite, and exerting antibacterial effects. A major focus is placed on advanced biomimetic, calcium phosphate-based topical agents such as Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP), functionalized Tricalcium Phosphate (fTCP), and Hydroxyapatite (HAP), which effectively replenish lost minerals. The review further explores innovative methods, such as laser-assisted and electrically enhanced remineralization. Finally, it outlines next-generation regenerative strategies, including self-assembling peptides (P11-4), stem cell therapies, 3D bioprinting, and gene-editing (CRISPR) technologies, which aim to biologically regenerate lost enamel and dentine. The field is rapidly evolving from a preventive to a restorative paradigm, with future directions focusing on biologically based, minimally invasive therapies to fully restore tooth structure and function.