Eggshell nanoparticle as dentin remineralization therapy: A narrative review

Background: The 2018 Basic Health Research states that 88.80% of Indonesians have dental caries. Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that causes demineralization of dental hard tissues, if the caries defect involves enamel and dentin areas, it is called dentin caries. Proper treatment can slow down the demineralization process through remineralization efforts. An alternative treatment that can be done is to use nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are very small fragments of material with a diameter of less than 100 nm. Eggshells contain high calcium which is the reason it was chosen  as an agent for remineralizing dentin  in  the form of nano-hydroxyapatite. 

Objectives: This scientific review aims to describe the effectiveness of eggshell nanoparticles as dentin remineralization agents. 

Methods: The type of research used was a narrative literature review. Secondary data were obtained from several online database articles, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. 

Discussion: Eggshell hydroxyapatite nanoparticles can release calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride ions that help remineralization in dentin. Eggshell hydroxyapatite nanoparticles can serve as a reservoir for the remineralization phase to maintain a supersaturation of calcium (Ca2+) and phosphate (PO4) ions. The presence of nano-hydroxyapatite can also increase the speed of dissolution and early occlusion in dentinal tubules. Eggshell hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have good buffering properties against acids because they have a larger surface area to react with citric acid so that they more effectively neutralize acid pH. In addition, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have good biocompatibility due to their low cytotoxic level.

Conclusion: Eggshell hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are effective in enhancing dentin remineralization.