Self-assembling peptides for managing white spot lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose The primary objective of the review was to assess the effectiveness of self-assembling P11-4 peptide (SAP) with or without any fluoride agents (FA) in remineralization of the White spot lesions (WSLs)/incipient carious lesions (ICLs) compared to other enamel remineralizing agents/non-intervention/placebo. Methods Human RCTs published during the period from 1st January 2000–30th June 2021 were searched in the electronic bibliographic databases and scanning reference lists of articles from PubMed, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Risk-of-Bias was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) tool for all included studies. The statistical heterogeneity between studies was assessed by the Cochrane Q test and I 2 test. A random-effects model was used considering the variations in true effects size between the included studies. The quality of the evidence for remineralizing effectiveness of SAP/SAP + FA was done using the GRADEpro GDT software which employs GRADE. Results Four out of eight included trials were assessed to have “high risk” of bias. Mean difference for Laser fluorescence outcome assessment method (SAP v/s FA) was – 4.89 (95% CI: − 17.35 to 7.57; p = 0. 44; I 2 = 89%). The combined risk ratio observed through Nyvad criteria (SAP v/s FA) was 0.12 (95% CI: 0.01–1.59; p = 0.11; I 2 = 71%). Mean difference for Laser fluorescence outcome assessment method (SAP + FA v/s FA) was – 11.52 (95% CI: – 14.43 to – 8.61; p = < 0.001; I 2 = 0%). The combined risk ratio for ICDAS outcome assessment method (SAP + FA v/s FA) was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.03–2.84; p = 0.15; I 2 = 53%). Conclusion Considering the results observed from the included trials we are uncertain whether SAP/SAP + FA increases/decreases the remineralizing/regeneration of WSLs/ICLs.