Remineralization of white spot lesion in the natural way – A review

Abstract

Successful growth and psychological development of a child depends on the oral health. Early childhood caries in preschool children and dental caries of permanent teeth are major oral health problem at the individual’s level as well as a burden to the country as a whole. Initiation of carious lesion is denoted by the formation of white spot lesion. This white spot lesion can be arrested and prevented from further progression to cavitated lesion if the shift in equilibrium from demineralization to remineralization can be achieved. Fluoride is a proven agent for caries prevention and remineralization but with its own adverse effects. As an alternative to fluoride, various non fluoridated remineralization systems have been developed. Recently there is an increase in interest to find the natural medicinal plants and their extracts that have antibacterial, anticariogenic and remineralization potential. This article is a review about the potential natural herbal extracts in the remineralization of white spot lesion.