Visualization of carious lesions with polarized and depolarized light microscopy.

Polarized light microscopy (PLM) is an established method in dental histology for investigating the ultrastructure and carious process of teeth. This study introduces a novel approach for measuring the degree of polarization (DOP) in a modified PLM setup and uses the DOP to assess the changes of the optical properties of enamel and dentin due to caries. The validation is provided by a comparison with complementary imaging methods, i.e. standard PLM and µCT. The results show that demineralization is reliably displayed by the DOP in accordance with the common imaging methods, and that this quantitative analysis of depolarization allows the characterization of the different pathohistological zones of caries.

Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography for Monitoring De- and Remineralization of Bovine Enamel In Vitro.

Early caries diagnosis still challenges dentistry. Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is promising to detect initial lesions non-invasively in depth-resolved cross-sectional visualization. PS-OCT with determined degree of polarization (DOP) imaging provides an intuitive demineralization contrast. The aim of this study is to evaluate the suitability of DOP-based PS-OCT imaging to monitor controlled de- and remineralization progression for the first time and to introduce it as a valid, non-destructive in vitro detection method. Twelve standardized bovine enamel specimens were divided in different groups and demineralized with hydrochloric acid (HCl) as well as partly remineralized with fluoride over a 14-day pH-cycling experiment. The specimens were stored in artificial saliva and sodium chloride (NaCl), respectively. Progress measurements with PS-OCT were made with polarization-sensitive en faceand B-scan mode for qualitative evaluation. The specimens demineralized in HCl showed the most pronounced surface change (lowest DOP) and the most significant increase in depolarization. Additional fluoride treatment and the storage in artificial saliva resulted in the opposite (highest DOP). Therefore, DOP-based PS-OCT imaging appears to be a valuable technique for visualization and monitoring of enamel demineralization and remineralization processes in vitro. However, these findings need to be confirmed in human teeth ex vivo or in situ.

Dental findings in wild great apes from macerated skull analysis.

Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being in both humans and nonhuman primates. Understanding the oral pathologies and dental conditions in apes can provide valuable insights into their evolutionary history, dietary habits, and overall health. The present study evaluates dental findings in wild great apes from museum specimens to gain insights into the influence of natural nutrition on dental health. Complete macerated skulls of wild, adult great apes from the collection of the Museum of Natural History, Berlin, Germany, were examined. We analyzed skulls of 53 gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), 63 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), and 41 orangutans (Pongo spp.). For each skull, we recorded wear of dental hard tissues (Lussi and Ganss index), carious lesions, and periodontal bone loss. Incisal and occlusal dental hard tissue defects were found in all skulls, as well as considerable external staining. In all species, incisors and canines showed the greatest loss of tissue, followed by molars. The wear of molars decreased from the first to the third molars, premolars showed the least pronounced defects. Some individuals had apical osteolytic defects along with severe dental hard tissue loss with pulp involvement or after dental trauma, respectively (n = 5). Our study did not observe any carious lesions among the examined great ape skulls. However, we did find evidence for localized or generalized periodontal bone loss in a subset of the specimens (n = 3 chimpanzees, n = 7 orangutans). The natural diet and foraging behavior of great apes induces abrasion and attrition of dental hard tissue but does not yield carious lesions. The occurrence of periodontitis in individual apes indicates that the natural circumstances can induce periodontal bone loss even in the wild, despite physiological nutrition.

Tooth-composite bond failure with a universal and an etch-and-rinse adhesive depending on mode and frequency of application.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of an additional layer of universal adhesive on the interfacial enamel/dentin-composite gap formation in relation to application mode and aging, via spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). METHODS: In vitro class V cavities in 114 caries-free premolars were restored by applying one or two layers of a universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal, SBU) in self-etch (se) and etch-and-rinse (er) mode or the reference adhesive OptiBond FL (OFL-er). The restorations were imaged by SD-OCT (six groups, n = 8) and SEM (n = 3) directly after filling (t1), water storage (t2, 24 h), embedding (t3), and thermo-mechanical loading (t4, TCML). The interfacial gaps were quantified using 26 parameters and analyzed using principal component analysis and linear mixed effect models. RESULTS: Gap formation at enamel and dentin was significantly influenced by the adhesive, the application mode and number of layers (p < 0.001). This was due to the influence of the SBU-er mode (p < 1e-05), which showed significantly more gap formation and a greater range of variation with double application when compared to SBU-se and OFL. The fewest interfacial gaps occurred with one or two applications of OFL-er and one layer of SBU-er. SIGNIFICANCE: Adhesive application mode and the number of adhesive layers are relevant factors in the tooth-composite bond failure. Double application worsened the adaptation of SBU to freshly prepared dentin conditioned with phosphoric acid.

Sensors for in situ monitoring of oral and dental health parameters in saliva.

OBJECTIVES: The oral cavity is an easily accessible unique environment and open system which is influenced by the oral fluids, microbiota, and nutrition. Little is known about the kinetics and dynamics of metabolic processes at the intraoral surfaces. Real-time monitoring of salivary biomarkers, e.g., glucose, lactate, fluoride, calcium, phosphate, and pH with intraoral sensors is therefore of major interest. The aim of this review is to overview the existing literature for intraoral saliva sensors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed to review the most relevant studies on intraoral saliva sensor technology. RESULTS: There is limited literature about the in situ saliva monitoring of salivary biomarkers. Bioadhesion and biofouling processes at the intraoral surfaces limit the performances of the sensors. Real-time, long-term, and continuous intraoral measurement of salivary metabolites remains challenging and needs further investigation as only few well-functioning sensors have been developed until today. Until now, there is no sensor that measures reliably beyond hours for any analyte other than glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Saliva's complex and dynamic structure as well as bioadhesion are key challenges and should be addressed in the future developments. Consequently, more studies that focus particularly on biofouling processes and interferential effects of the salivary matrix components on sensor surfaces are required. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: By monitoring fluids in the oral cavity, as the entrance to the digestive system, extensive information can be obtained regarding the effects of foods and preventive agents on the oral microbiota and the tooth surfaces. This may lead to a better understanding of strategies to modulate oral and general health.

Influence of Consumption of Nitrate-rich Beetroot Juice on Lactate Production in Saliva and Oral Biofilm - A Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Diets rich in nitrates have the potential to prevent oral diseases such as caries or periodontitis. The reduced forms nitrite and nitric oxide have an antibacterial effect against cariogenic bacteria. The effect on bacterial acid production in saliva and oral biofilm is yet unknown. This study investigated the influence of consuming naturally nitrate-rich beetroot juice on bacterial lactate production in saliva and on the pH value of saliva and oral biofilm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In addition to their usual diet, a study group of eight subjects consumed 50 ml of beetroot juice daily for a fortnight. After a two-week break, they rinsed with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) for 14 days as a positive control. Bacterial lactate production was induced by rinsing with 50 ml apple juice and measured at different time points during the study. RESULTS: After two weeks of daily beetroot-juice consumption, an accumulation of nitrate and nitrite was measured in the saliva. No influence on the bacterial lactate production in saliva or the saliva and plaque pH was found. CONCLUSION: Commercially available beetroot juice showed no modulating effects on intraoral bacterial acid production, suggesting no caries-preventive properties under the tested conditions.

Software-supported periodontal diagnostics with three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography compared to conventional two-dimensional panoramic imaging and clinical diagnostics (a prospective study).

AIM: Aim of this study comprised the software-supported evaluation of measurement accuracy between cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiographs in the assessment of the periodontal bone level in patients with periodontitis and comparison with clinical periodontal parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with severe periodontitis (stage III-IV) were evaluated clinically and radiographically (panoramic and CBCT). Diagnostic interpretation comprised three blinded investigators with different levels of experience. Specific software-basing measurement procedure evaluated radiological distances for the mesial, central, and distal bone levels on the oral and vestibular sides of the teeth investigated and furcation upper and lower boundary. Jaw localization, anatomical region-of-interest, the number of roots and experience of the observers were evaluated. All measurements were carried out twice by the same observers within a 6-week interval. RESULTS: Slightly higher measurement deviations (SD) in the range of 0.47 (0.40) mm were found for CBCT evaluation compared to panoramic imaging. Pearson correlation analysis showed statistically strong positive correlation for the mesial and distal aspects, moderate positive correlation was found for the investigated furcations between both radiographic modalities. Compared to the clinical reference, the mean total error of measurement (SD) was larger for panoramic imaging (0.66 (0.48) mm) than CBCT (0.27 (0.08) mm) for all three observers. CONCLUSIONS: Software-supported CBCT analysis delivers better diagnostic information about the bony periodontal conditions of the patient compared to two-dimensional radiographs. However, it remains unclear if these additional information lead to better periodontal outcomes.

Determination of a Representative and 3D-Printable Root Canal Geometry for Endodontic Investigations and Pre-Clinical Endodontic Training-An Ex Vivo Study.

Models of artificial root canals are used in several fields of endodontic investigations and pre-clinical endodontic training. They allow the physical testing of dental treatments, the operating of instruments used and the interaction between these instruments and the tissues. Currently, a large number of different artificial root canal models exist whose geometry is created either on the basis of selected natural root canal systems or to represent individual geometrical properties. Currently, only a few geometric properties such as the root canal curvature or the endodontic working width are taken into consideration when generating these models. To improve the representational capability of the artificial root canal models, the aim of the current study is therefore to generate an artificial root canal based on the statistical evaluation of selected natural root canals. Here, the approach introduced by Kucher for determining the geometry of a root canal model is used, which is based on the measurement and statistical evaluation of the root canal center line's curvatures and their cross-sectional dimensions. Using the example of unbranched distal root canals of mandibular molars (n = 29), an artificial root canal model representing the mean length, curvature, torsion and cross-sectional dimensions of these teeth could be derived.

Olive Oil as a Transport Medium for Bioactive Molecules of Plants?-An In Situ Study.

(1) Caries and erosions still remain a challenge for preventive dentistry. Certain plant extracts have shown beneficial effects in preventive dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial, anti-adherent and erosion-protective properties of ellagic acid (EA) as a polyphenolic agent. The combination with olive oil was investigated additionally to verify a possible improved bioactive effect of EA. (2) An in situ study was carried out with six subjects. Individual splints were prepared with bovine enamel specimens. The splints were worn for 1 min (pellicle formation time). Thereafter, 10 min rinses were performed with EA in water/in oil. Bacterial adherence was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy (DAPI, ConA, BacLight) after an 8 h oral exposition time. Additionally, the splints were worn for 30 min to quantify demineralization processes. The ultrastructure of the pellicle was investigated after an oral exposure time of 2 h under a transmission electron microscope. Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and Bonferroni-Holm correction. (3) Rinsing with EA led to a significant reduction of adherent vital and dead bacteria. The combination with olive oil did not improve these outcomes. The assessment of glucan structures after rinsing with EA in water showed significant effects. Significant differences were observed for both rinses in calcium release at pH 3.0. After rinsing with EA in oil, significantly less calcium was released compared to rinsing with EA in water (pH = 3.0). (4) Olive oil is not suitable as a transport medium for lipophilic polyphenols. EA has anti-adherent and antibacterial properties in situ. EA also shows erosion-protective effects, which can be enhanced in combination with olive oil depending on the pH value. Ellagic acid has a neutral pH and could be an opportunity in the treatment of specific patient groups (xerostomia or mucositis).

Efficacy of Endodontic Disinfection Protocols in an E. faecalis Biofilm Model-Using DAPI Staining and SEM.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of different disinfection protocols in a novel Enterococcus faecalis biofilm model based on a visualization method and to evaluate the potential alteration of dentinal surface. A total of 120 extracted human premolars were allocated to 6 groups with different irrigation protocols. The assessment of the effectiveness of each protocol and the alteration of dentinal surface were visualized by using SEM and fluorescence microscopy (DAPI). A dense E. faecalis biofilm with a penetration depth of 289 µm (medial part of the root canal) and 93 µm (apical part) validated that the biofilm model had been successfully implemented. A significant difference between the 3% NaOCl groups and all the other groups in both observed parts of the root canal (p < 0.05) was detected. However, the SEM analysis revealed that the dentinal surface in the 3% NaOCl groups was severely altered. The established biofilm model and the visualization method based on DAPI are appropriate for bacterial quantification and evaluation of the depth effect of different disinfection protocols in the root canal system. The combination of 3% NaOCl with 20% EDTA or MTAD with PUI allows the decontamination of deeper dentine zones within the root canal but simultaneously alters the dentinal surface.

Direct and indirect effects of different dentifrices on the initial bacterial colonization of enamel in situ overnight.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect influence of fluoridated toothpastes and fluoride-free toothpaste with hydroxyapatite (HAP) as active ingredient on initial bacterial colonization on enamel in situ. METHODS: For this clinical-experimental pilot study, eight subjects were instructed to brush their teeth with three different toothpastes (Elmex® : 1400 ppm AmF, Meridol® : 1400 ppm AmF +SnF2, Karex® : HAP), using each for two consecutive days. As a control, brushing without toothpaste was performed. To evaluate bacterial colonization, subject wore splints with buccally placed bovine enamel platelets overnight. Two modes were tested. In a first pass (regimen A), the splints were inserted after toothbrushing to examine the indirect effects of the dentifrices. In order to investigate the direct effects, the specimens were brushed in situ in a second pass (regimen B). Biofilm formation was visualized and quantified using fluorescence microscopy (DAPI and BacLight) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: For brushing regimen A (indirect effect of dentifrices), no statistical differences were detected between any of the tested dentifrices or the control. Likewise, no statistically significant differences were recorded for brushing regimen B (direct effect of dentifrices). Furthermore, no differences between the different brushing techniques were determined with regard to the ultrastructure of the overnight biofilm. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present pilot study, it can be concluded that in patients with good oral hygiene, dentifrices and their chemical composition have no statistically significant effect on the initial bacterial colonization of enamel platelets in situ, irrespectively of the mode of application.

The abundance of lysozyme, lactoferrin and cystatin S in the enamel pellicle of children - Potential biomarkers for caries?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the abundance of the protective salivary proteins lysozyme, lactoferrin, and cystatin S was quantified in the in situ formed pellicle of caries-free and caries-active children to determine whether they may be possible biomarkers for caries. DESIGN: Pellicle formation was performed in situ for 10 min on ceramic specimens from the oral cavity of children (5-8 years) with caries (n = 17) and without evidence of caries (n = 17). Additionally, unstimulated saliva was collected. Levels of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and cystatin S were measured in desorbed pellicle eluates and saliva using ELISA. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the occurrence of cystatin S and lysozyme in saliva and pellicle between caries-active and caries-free children. However, significantly higher amounts of lactoferrin were detected in the pellicle of caries-active children. CONCLUSION: The protective salivary protein lactoferrin may be a biomarker for caries susceptibility in children.

Prevention of Dental Biofilm Formation with Polyphenols: A Systematic Review.

Polyphenols are plant secondary products with health-promoting properties against various degenerative or infectious diseases, and thus may help in the prevention of oral diseases. The aim of the present systematic review was to investigate polyphenols as a possible adjuvant in inhibiting dental biofilm formation, which is an important precondition for the most prevalent oral disease - caries and periodontitis. A literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, CENTRAL and Scopus. Only studies with oral healthy participants and plaque level as outcome were included. Data search and extraction was conducted by two authors independently. Of the 211 initially identified studies, only six met all inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed with five studies using the random effect model. Treatment with polyphenols reduced the plaque level in comparison to a negative control, but not significantly. Strong evidence of heterogeneity was observed. The diversity and complexity of polyphenols and their preparation need to be considered. There is no clear evidence that clinical use of polyphenols can prevent dental biofilm formation. Additional research with more and larger randomized controlled trials are required.

Caries Management-The Role of Surface Interactions in De- and Remineralization-Processes.

BACKGROUND: Bioadhesion and surface interactions on enamel are of essential relevance for initiation, progression and prevention of caries and erosions. Salivary proteins on and within initial carious and erosive lesions can facilitate or aggravate de- and remineralization. This applies for the pellicle layer, the subsurface pellicle and for proteins within initial carious lesions. Little is known about these proteinaceous structures related to initial caries and erosion. Accordingly, there is a considerable demand for an understanding of the underlying processes occurring at the interface between the tooth surface and the oral cavity in order to develop novel agents that limit and modulate caries and erosion. Objectives and findings: The present paper depicts the current knowledge of the processes occurring at the interface of the tooth surface and the oral fluids. Proteinaceous layers on dental hard tissues can prevent or aggravate demineralization processes, whereas proteins within initial erosive or carious lesions might hinder remineralization considerably and restrict the entry of ions into lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that organic-inorganic surface interactions are of essential relevance for de- and remineralization processes at the tooth surface, there is limited knowledge on these clinically relevant phenomena. Accordingly, intensive research is necessary to develop new approaches in preventive dentistry.

Quantification of Bacterial DNA from Infected Human Root Canals Using qPCR and DAPI after Disinfection with Established and Novel Irrigation Protocols.

The removal of bacterial infections within the root canal system is still a challenge. Therefore, the cleansing effect of established and new irrigation-protocols (IP) containing silver diamine fluoride (SDF) 3.8% on the whole root canal system was analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 4',6-diamidino-phenylindole-(DAPI)-staining. Extracted human premolars were instrumented up to F2 (ProTaper Gold) under NaCl 0.9% irrigation and incubated with Enterococcus faecalis for 42 days. Subsequently, different ultrasonically agitated IP were applied to the roots: control (no irrigation), 1. NaOCl 3%, EDTA 20%, CHX 2%, 2. NaOCl 3%, EDTA 20%, 3. NaOCl 3%, EDTA 20%, SDF 3.8%, 4. SDF 3.8%, and 5. NaCl 0.9%. One half of the root was investigated fluorescent-microscopically with DAPI. The other half was grinded in a cryogenic mill and the bacterial DNA was quantified with qPCR. The qPCR results showed a statistically significant reduction of bacteria after the application of IP 1, 2, and 3 compared to the control group. While IP 4 lead to a bacterial reduction which was not significant, IP 5 showed no reduction. These data corresponded with DAPI staining. With qPCR a new molecular-biological method for the investigation of the complete root canal system was implemented. The novel IP 3 had an equally good cleansing effect as the already established IP.

Bioadhesion on Textured Interfaces in the Human Oral Cavity-An In Situ Study.

Extensive biofilm formation on materials used in restorative dentistry is a common reason for their failure and the development of oral diseases like peri-implantitis or secondary caries. Therefore, novel materials and strategies that result in reduced biofouling capacities are urgently sought. Previous research suggests that surface structures in the range of bacterial cell sizes seem to be a promising approach to modulate bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Here we investigated bioadhesion within the oral cavity on a low surface energy material (perfluorpolyether) with different texture types (line-, hole-, pillar-like), feature sizes in a range from 0.7-4.5 µm and graded distances (0.7-130.5 µm). As a model system, the materials were fixed on splints and exposed to the oral cavity. We analyzed the enzymatic activity of amylase and lysozyme, pellicle formation, and bacterial colonization after 8 h intraoral exposure. In opposite to in vitro experiments, these in situ experiments revealed no clear signs of altered bacterial surface colonization regarding structure dimensions and texture types compared to unstructured substrates or natural enamel. In part, there seemed to be a decreasing trend of adherent cells with increasing periodicities and structure sizes, but this pattern was weak and irregular. Pellicle formation took place on all substrates in an unaltered manner. However, pellicle formation was most pronounced within recessed areas thereby partially masking the three-dimensional character of the surfaces. As the natural pellicle layer is obviously the most dominant prerequisite for bacterial adhesion, colonization in the oral environment cannot be easily controlled by structural means.

Mucins 5b and 7 and secretory IgA in the oral acquired pellicle of children with caries and caries-free children.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether differences in the abundance of mucins 5b and 7 as well as secretory IgA exist in the oral acquired pellicle between children with active caries and caries-free children. DESIGN: Pellicle formation was performed for 10 min in-situ on ceramic slabs in the oral cavity of children (5-7 years of age) with caries (n = 15) and without signs of caries (n = 13). Furthermore, unstimulated saliva was collected. Concentrations of Muc5b, Muc7 and sIgA were measured in desorbed pellicle eluates and in saliva. RESULTS: Significantly larger concentrations of Muc5b, Muc7 and sIgA were detected in the pellicle obtained from children with caries compared to caries-free children. However, in the salivary samples concentrations of mucins Muc5b and Muc7 as well as sIgA did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: All three pellicle components Muc5b, Muc7 as well as sIgA could be identified as potential biomarkers for early childhood caries with high sensitivity and specificity. This could contribute to a better understanding of the different caries susceptibility in children.

An Automated Measurement Method for the Endodontic Working Width of Lower Molars by Means of Parametric Models Using Cone-beam Computed Tomographcy and Micro-Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: A new method for the approximation of the root canal's cross-sectional shape and its working width using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) or micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) imaging was introduced. METHODS: Scanned data from 29 extracted human mandibular first and second molar distal root canals without instrumentation were reconstructed and analyzed with a self-developed measurement algorithm. The 3-dimensional volume models were sliced perpendicular to the vertical axis. Using different 2-dimensional parametric models, the contour of each root canal slice was approximated and used to determine the canal's cross-sectional dimensions. The measurements of minor width, major width, and the root canal's conicity were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance. RESULTS: The measured minor and major widths of the investigated root canals were significantly higher (probability value P < .05) when evaluated by CBCT images than the results obtained from micro-CT data. Both dimensions increased starting from the apical foramen (P < .01). The narrowest measured canal widths were 0.19-0.24 mm for CBCT imaging and 0.09-0.21 mm for micro-CT imaging in the apical part. The maximum values for conicity were between 13% and 17% in the cervical third. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-dimensional imaging data from CBCT and micro-CT imaging enabled a valuable anatomic assessment of the root canal's cross-sectional working width along the canal up to the physiological foramen in order to determine an adequate apical diameter as well as the correct measured taper in the cervical and medial part.

Nutritional influences on enzyme activities in saliva of Asian and African elephants.

Asian and African elephants show morphological adaptations to their ecological niche including the oral cavity. Variety and preferences of forage plants differ between both herbivorous elephant species. Diet can affect salivary enzymes. Asian elephants were shown to have a higher salivary amylase activity than African elephants. Species-specific differences were presumed to be influenced by feeding during collection procedure. This study aimed to determine the influence of feeding on enzyme activities in saliva of both elephant species to differentiate from species-specific effects. Additionally, season and housing conditions on salivary enzyme activities in non-fed elephants of both species were investigated. Salivary amylase (sAA), lysozyme (sLYS) and peroxidase (sPOD) activity were measured photometrically or fluorometrically. Results of this study reinforce previous observations of higher basic sAA activity in Asian elephants compared to African elephants. Salivary LYS and sPOD activity showed neither species-specific nor housing-specific differences. Independent from season, most elephants of both species revealed a lack of or low sPOD activity. Feeding caused a temporary decrease of sAA, sLYS and sPOD activity in both elephant species kept in four of eight tested zoos. Furthermore, sAA activity in Asian elephants was higher and sLYS activity lower in Spring than in Autumn. This study summarizes that sAA and sLYS are components of Asian and African elephant saliva in an active conformation in contrast to sPOD. Diet varying between season and zoos might influence sAA and sLYS activities primarily in Asian elephants but temporary low effects suggest sufficient buffer capacity of elephant saliva of both species.

Preventive Applications of Polyphenols in Dentistry-A Review.

Polyphenols are natural substances that have been shown to provide various health benefits. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects have been described. At the same time, they inhibit the actions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Thus, studies have also examined their effects within the oral cavity. This review provides an overview on the different polyphenols, and their structure and interactions with the tooth surface and the pellicle. In particular, the effects of various tea polyphenols on bioadhesion and erosion have been reviewed. The current research confirms that polyphenols can reduce the growth of cariogenic bacteria. Furthermore, they can decrease the adherence of bacteria to the tooth surface and improve the erosion-protective properties of the acquired enamel pellicle. Tea polyphenols, especially, have the potential to contribute to an oral health-related diet. However, in vitro studies have mainly been conducted. In situ studies and clinical studies need to be extended and supplemented in order to significantly contribute to additive prevention measures in caries prophylaxis.