Researchers at King’s College London’s Dental Institute have published the results of an in-vivo observational clinical study which has for the first time shed some light on the role of key salivary proteins against erosive tooth wear. The study featuring 29 erosive patients, aimed to investigate the protein composition of in-vivo acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) between eroded and non-eroded surfaces within the same patient exhibiting erosive tooth wear.

The results published today in PLOS One highlight the increased level of total protein and statherin, a calcium binding salivary protein, on non-eroded tooth surfaces compared to eroded surfaces. This provides invaluable information on the possible effects of statherin in protection against erosive wear, suggesting that calcium and phosphorus ions are possibly modulated around the enamel crystals. This is important as it suggests that statherin is a potential candidate to be used in new preventive protocols against dental erosion. In addition, absence of statherin in the acquired enamel pellicle may also be a potential predictor for risk of future erosive tooth wear.

This paper also highlights the importance for future in-vivo studies to have a targeted approach in enhancing the natural protective abilities of saliva and AEP. These measures could enhance individualised preventive care plans in patients at risk of erosive tooth wear.

 

 

Papers mentioned in this press release:

Reduced statherin in acquired enamel pellicle on eroded teeth compared to healthy teeth in the same subjects: An in-vivo study by Mahdi Mutahar, Saoirse O’Toole &, Guy Carpenter &, David Bartlett &, Manoharan Andiappan, Rebecca Moazzez to be published at 1400 Eastern Time on 24 August 2017 in PLOS One.