Role of aspartic acid and glutamic acid in dentin remineralization: A systematic review of emerging therapeutic approaches.

Abstract

The aim of the systematic review was to evaluate the role of aspartic acid and glutamic acid in dentin remineralization, focusing on biomimetic strategies that use noncollagenous protein analogs. Registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024547624), this review searched PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus up to February 2025 using PICO-based terms. In vitro studies investigating aspartic acid and glutamic acid in dentin remineralization were included. Study quality was assessed with the QUIN tool. Screening and selection were conducted independently by two reviewers followed by the data extraction and data synthesis. The systematic review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 guidelines. Out of 430 articles identified, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment revealed 4 studies with low risk of bias, 5 with medium, and 1 with high risk. Aspartic acid and glutamic acid were identified to enhance hydroxyapatite crystallization and mechanical properties of dentin. The polymer-induced liquid-precursor process using poly-L-aspartic acid restored up to 91% of the elastic modulus in demineralized dentin. Glutamic acid improved both intrafibrillar and extrafibrillar mineralization, and its combination with tricalcium phosphate notably enhanced mineral deposition. Low-risk studies confirm that aspartic and glutamic acids effectively promote dentin remineralization by mimicking natural biomineralization processes, showing potential for clinical applications. Future research should aim to standardize these treatments through clinical trials to confirm their long-term efficacy and safety.