A tooth being remineralized by amino acids and bioactive glass

Unlock Your Healthiest Smile: The Science of Dentine Remineralization

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how amino acids and bioactive glass can naturally repair and strengthen your teeth, reversing damage and protecting against sensitivity."

Our teeth, marvels of natural engineering, are constantly under attack. Daily habits, acidic foods, and even natural wear can erode the protective enamel, exposing the sensitive dentine layer beneath. This exposure leads to dentine hypersensitivity, that sharp, often debilitating pain triggered by cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli. But what if there was a way to reverse this damage, to naturally rebuild and strengthen our teeth?

The groundbreaking field of biomimetic dentistry offers promising solutions. Inspired by nature's own processes, researchers are exploring how to stimulate the remineralization of dentine, essentially coaxing our teeth to repair themselves. Central to this approach are two key players: amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and bioactive glass, a revolutionary material known for its regenerative properties.

This article delves into the fascinating science behind dentine remineralization, exploring how specific amino acids, like DL-aspartic acid (Asp), and bioactive glass 45S5 (BAG) work synergistically to rebuild damaged tooth structure. We'll uncover the research that demonstrates the effectiveness of these methods in vitro, paving the way for future clinical applications that could transform how we care for our smiles.

The Power Duo: Amino Acids and Bioactive Glass

A tooth being remineralized by amino acids and bioactive glass

A recent study published in the journal Dental Materials investigated the potential of using DL-aspartic acid (Asp) in conjunction with bioactive glass 45S5 (BAG) to enhance dentine remineralization. The researchers aimed to mimic the natural processes of tooth formation, using these materials to rebuild the mineral structure of dentine in a simulated oral environment.

The study involved creating a partially demineralized dentine model using extracted human molars. These teeth were then divided into four groups, each receiving a different treatment:

AS Group: Treated with artificial saliva (control).
Asp Group: Pretreated with DL-aspartic acid and remineralized with distilled water.
BAG Group: Pretreated with distilled water and remineralized with bioactive glass.
Asp-BAG Group: Pretreated with DL-aspartic acid and remineralized with bioactive glass.

The results revealed a compelling synergy between Asp and BAG. The Asp-BAG group exhibited significantly enhanced dentine remineralization compared to the other groups. This improvement was evident in several key metrics:

A Brighter, Healthier Future for Your Smile

The findings of this study offer a promising glimpse into the future of dental care. By harnessing the power of biomimetic principles and utilizing materials like amino acids and bioactive glass, we can potentially unlock new ways to naturally repair and strengthen our teeth. While further research is needed to translate these in vitro results into clinical applications, the potential benefits for combating dentine hypersensitivity and promoting long-term dental health are immense. So, embrace the science of remineralization and pave the way for a brighter, healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.dental.2018.11.026, Alternate LINK

Title: Biomimetic Regulation Of Dentine Remineralization By Amino Acid In Vitro

Subject: Mechanics of Materials

Journal: Dental Materials

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Yuanmei Zhang, Zhejun Wang, Tao Jiang, Yining Wang

Published: 2019-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

What causes dentine hypersensitivity, and how does it affect my teeth?

Dentine hypersensitivity occurs when the protective enamel layer of the tooth erodes, exposing the underlying dentine. This exposure can be caused by various factors, including acidic foods, aggressive brushing, and natural wear. Once the dentine is exposed, it becomes sensitive to stimuli such as cold, heat, sweets, or acidic substances, leading to sharp, often intense pain. Current research is looking into how DL-aspartic acid and bioactive glass 45S5 can help.

What is biomimetic dentistry, and how does it relate to dentine remineralization?

Biomimetic dentistry seeks to regenerate damaged tooth tissues by mimicking natural biological processes. In the context of dentine remineralization, this involves using materials and techniques that promote the natural rebuilding of the mineral structure of dentine. Key materials in this approach include amino acids like DL-aspartic acid (Asp) and bioactive glass 45S5 (BAG), which work synergistically to repair damaged tooth structure by promoting the deposition of minerals similar to those found in natural dentine.

How do DL-aspartic acid and bioactive glass 45S5 work together to remineralize dentine?

DL-aspartic acid (Asp) and bioactive glass 45S5 (BAG) work together to enhance dentine remineralization by mimicking the natural processes of tooth formation. DL-aspartic acid acts as a primer, creating a favorable environment for mineral deposition. Bioactive glass 45S5 then provides the necessary minerals, such as calcium and phosphate, to rebuild the damaged dentine structure. Studies have shown that pretreating dentine with DL-aspartic acid before applying bioactive glass 45S5 significantly enhances remineralization compared to using either material alone. This synergy promotes the formation of a new, mineral-rich layer on the dentine surface, strengthening the tooth and reducing sensitivity.

What did the Dental Materials publication reveal about using DL-aspartic acid and bioactive glass 45S5?

The study highlighted in the Dental Materials publication used extracted human molars to create a partially demineralized dentine model. These teeth were divided into four groups. The AS Group, the control, was treated with artificial saliva. The Asp Group was pretreated with DL-aspartic acid and remineralized with distilled water. The BAG Group was pretreated with distilled water and remineralized with bioactive glass. Finally, the Asp-BAG Group was pretreated with DL-aspartic acid and remineralized with bioactive glass. Results showed that the Asp-BAG group exhibited the most significant enhancement in dentine remineralization.

What are the next steps in translating the findings about DL-aspartic acid and bioactive glass 45S5 into real-world dental treatments, and what's preventing widespread use now?

While the in vitro study demonstrates promising results for dentine remineralization using DL-aspartic acid and bioactive glass 45S5, further research is needed before these methods can be widely implemented in clinical practice. Future studies should focus on translating these findings into effective treatments for dentine hypersensitivity in humans, including clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of these materials. Additionally, research should explore optimal application methods and formulations to maximize the remineralization potential and ensure long-term stability of the repaired dentine. The absence of these steps prevents real world usage and impact.