Peptides are a string of 2 to 50 amino acids (just shorter than a protein) that have shown to play a critical role in biomechanical processes in our body. The small size of certain peptides have a way of penetrating cells that can produce significant changes to the physiology of cells, such as greatly promoting collagen growth, and reducing redness, swelling, and sensitivity. Clinical trials have shown significant results exhibiting regenerative qualities for oral health.
How Have Peptides Shown to Help Oral Health?
Caries management
Implant osseointegration
Guided tissue regeneration
Vital pulp therapy
Antimicrobial activity
Potential enamel remineralization
Occlusion of dentin tubules
Periodontal therapy
The surface modification of dental implants
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10015427/
Occlusion of dentin tubules
A testimonial on the effectiveness of peptides by NIH article “Biomimetic Dentin Repair” at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering partnered with Department of Restorative Dentistry to produce empirical results on the how layers of peptide application helped strengthen dentin - the inner part of teeth that supports the enamel.
Using a mineralization-directing peptide, sADP5, derived from amelogenin (aka amelogenin-derived peptide), occlusion (closure of exposed dental tubules) was achieved through a layer-by-layer peptide-guided remineralization process that forms an infiltrating mineral layer on dentin. The structure, composition, and nanomechanical properties of the remineralized dentin were analyzed by cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy imaging, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and nanomechanical testing. The elemental analysis provided calcium and phosphate compositions that are similar to those in hydroxyapatite (which is what dentin is composed of). The measured average hardness and reduced elastic modulus values (metric for stiffness) for the mineral layer were significantly higher than those of the demineralized and sound (healthy) human dentin. The structural integration of the new mineral and underlying dentin was confirmed by thermal aging demonstrating no physical separation. These results suggest that a structurally robust and mechanically durable interface is formed between the interpenetrating mineral layer and underlying dentin that can withstand long-term mechanical and thermal stresses naturally experienced in the oral environment.
The peptide-guided remineralization procedure described herein could provide a foundation for the development of highly effective oral care products leading to novel biomimetic treatments for a wide range of demineralization-related ailments and, in particular, offers a potent long-term solution for dentin hypersensitivity.
