Tooth surfaces are always exposed to the interplay of chemical and physical factors that can induce erosion (demineralisation) or the new formation of mineralized enamel (remineralisation)
Demineralisation (DEM):
- gradual depletion of enamel
- often triggered by acids in food stuff, mechanical impact from teeth grinding or the tooth brush
Remineralisation (REM):
- deposition of HAP at the tooth surface
- impact of salivary proteins like mucin and statherine or casein in dairy products
Shifting the equilibrium to a higher rate of REM, will result in a net increase of surface HAP and preserve oral health, reduce the risk of caries and gingival recession.
Research:
I study the effect of food stuffs on the mineralisation of human hard-tissue collaboration with Dr. Jens Messerschmidt and the nature of the REM process using methods like atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron microscopy (REM/EDX), infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray scattering (XRD and reflectivity).