Abstract

This review analyzes the role of bioactive glass particles in toothpaste in improving oral health – with a focus on caries prevention, remineralization, and sensitivity.

Objective

Investigate whether toothpastes with bioactive glass:

• Reduce caries
• Remineralize tooth enamel
• Improve dental sensitivity

Mechanism of Action

Bioactive glass particles (e.g., Bioglass 45S5) release important ions:

• Calcium (Ca²⁺)
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻)
• Fluoride (in FCPS)

These lead to the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer (HAp) – similar to natural tooth enamel.

Effects:

• Remineralization of damaged enamel
• Sealing of dentinal tubules (against sensitivity)
• Increase in pH value → antibacterial effect

Key Findings

1. Remineralization

• Bioactive glass toothpastes show stronger remineralization than classic toothpastes (e.g., fluoride alone)
• Particularly effective for:
  • initial carious lesions
  • demineralized dentin

2. Antibacterial Effect

• Increase in pH value inhibits:
  • Streptococcus mutans
  • other cariogenic bacteria
• reduces plaque formation

3. Sensitivity

• Sealing of dentinal tubules → less pain stimulus
• confirms known effect from other studies

4. Clinical Effects

• Studies show:
  • up to 30% fewer new carious lesions
  • measurable increase in mineralization
  • significant patient improvement (less sensitivity)

Advantages over Traditional Toothpaste

Bioactive glass offers compared to conventional active ingredients:

• more sustainable effect (not immediately rinsed away)
• active mineral release instead of just protection
• better acid resistance due to HAp layer

Challenges

• optimal particle size and concentration not yet standardized
• stability in toothpaste formulations
• further clinical studies necessary
• industrial scaling & consistency

Conclusion

Toothpastes with bioactive glass are a promising advancement in oral hygiene:

👉 They are not just protective, but also regenerative
👉 They combine:

• remineralization
• antibacterial effect
• sensitivity reduction

They could therefore play a key role in prevention and therapy in the long term.