Peptides for tooth remineralization: A scoping review of current research, design strategies, and clinical applications

Current operative treatments, which are the mainstay of restorative dentistry, are limited by three factors: the inability to fully reconstruct the native microstructure of the tooth, the formation of interfaces between the restoration and tooth that can lead to secondary caries, and the inevitable removal of healthy tooth tissue. These limitations have spurred interest in non-operative strategies. Among these, peptide-based biomimetic remineralization is a relatively safe and versatile approach that has become a major focus of research. However, much of the existing work relies on broad empirical screening, and there is a lack of systematic understanding regarding peptide design principles and sequences optimized for tooth remineralization. This scoping review aims to systematically map peptide design strategies for dental tissue remineralization, with an emphasis on recent advances in biomimetic mineralization. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this review searched for and synthesized literature on tooth remineralization peptides published between 1995 and 2025. The results indicate that since 2019, research on remineralization peptides has significantly increased, expanding from traditional agents such as CPP and P11-4 to mimics of ameloblast and odontoblast functions, and further to multifunctional designs that incorporate antimicrobial and non-peptide components. Their roles have evolved from simple remineralization agents to tailored applications addressing diverse clinical scenarios. These findings provide a framework and practical guidance for the further design, optimization, and clinical translation of peptides aimed at tooth remineralization.