Glycine and is applications in dental medicine: a narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: There are several minimally invasive treatments and sensitive clinical protocols which lead to the need to find an innovative alternative with different substances. Glycine, a non-essential amino acid with a simple structure and an important constituent in the extracellular structure of proteins such as collagen and elastin, has been used and tested in diverse dental medicine applications in the form of abrasive powder particles. Despite the mechanisms of action not being yet fully understood, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects as well as helping in regulating the immune functions and synthesis of cytokines. Glycine is odorless, colorless and highly soluble in water. Objectives: To present the different glycine powder applications in dental medicine. Results: Different studies have been made to compare the glycine action with the use of various manual, rotary and polishing instruments, and with clinical protocols such as acid etching and pretreatment of the dentin structure. Glycine powder presents a reduced abrasive action, producing less damage to the teeth and gum surfaces. Its efficacy was observed in the removal of supra and subgingival biofilm, with reduced injury of the gingival structure when compared to the use of the sodium bicarbonate jet, root scraping and scaling. It achieved an excellent polishing and teeth surface smoothness, thus reducing the adhesion and maturation of the bacterial microflora. Conclusions: Glycine is nowadays regarded as an innovative substance in the world of dentistry and has been applied in the periodontics, polishing of dental surfaces, restorative material and in the pre-treatment protocol of dentin. Despite the good results obtained, further investigation is needed to validate these features and advantages.