Glycine And It's Applications in Dental Medicine

Glycine, a simple amino acid(C2H5NO2 ), has a relevant presence in the extracellular structure of collagen and elastin, being discovered and isolated for the first time by the French chemist H. Bracannot. It can be synthetized by a variety of processes, according to its purpose in the organism and, despite the reduced knowledge regarding its mechanisms and action, glycine presents itself as a potential anti-inflammatory, immune system regulator and antioxidant, as well as being vital for the synthesis of cytokines and neurological functions. Due to its physical properties, such as a reduced abrasiveness and superficial damage of its particles, the glycine powder proves to be a suitable substitute of sodium bicarbonate in dental medicine treatments. Keywords: glycine powder, enamel, dentine, adhesive system, air-polishing enamel, size particles