Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting demineralization of a surface of a tooth, comprising a) contacting the tooth of a subject with an orally acceptable, binding composition comprising a binding agent that binds to a demineralized surface of the tooth; b) removing unbound binding compound; c) contacting the tooth with an orally acceptable, detector composition comprising a probe compound that reacts with the binding agent to form a visually detectable reaction product; and d) detecting formation of the reaction product as an indication of the presence or extent of surface demineralization of the tooth. Systems, kits, and compositions for practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting demineralization of a surface of a tooth, comprising a) contacting the tooth of a subject with an orally acceptable, binding composition comprising a binding agent that binds to a demineralized surface of the tooth; b) removing unbound binding compound; c) contacting the tooth with an orally acceptable, detector composition comprising a probe compound that reacts with the binding agent to form a visually detectable reaction product; and d) detecting formation of the reaction product as an indication of the presence or extent of surface demineralization of the tooth. Systems, kits, and compositions for practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting demineralization of a surface of a tooth, comprising a) contacting the tooth of a subject with an orally acceptable, binding composition comprising a binding agent that binds to a demineralized surface of the tooth; b) removing unbound binding compound; c) contacting the tooth with an orally acceptable, detector composition comprising a probe compound that reacts with the binding agent to form a visually detectable reaction product; and d) detecting formation of the reaction product as an indication of the presence or extent of surface demineralization of the tooth. Systems, kits, and compositions for practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and kits are provided having a peptide having an amino acid sequence that binds to eukaryotic cells and effects differentiation and support growth of the cells. Peptide-scaffold compositions containing at least one peptide or combinations of peptides are therapeutic agents for stimulating and promoting osteogenic activity and osteoinduction activity for cells. The scaffold is for example apatite, natural cancellous bone, demineralized natural cancellous bone, collagen, calcium phosphate, or hydroxyapatite.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are provided for enhancing remineralization of a tooth or bone containing hydroxyapatite and inhibiting caries progression or loss of hydroxyapatite using a bisphosphonate or pyrophosphonate. The tooth or tooth surface contains a trauma or defect, for example the tooth contains a caries that is identified using a detectable probe. The bisphosphonate or pyrophosphonate is contacted to the tooth and/or oral cavity and binds to the hydroxyapatite material in the tooth or bone and prevents loss of hydroxyapatite material or strengthens the hydroxyapatite. The amount and extent of enhanced remineralization or of inhibition of caries progression and loss of hydroxyapatite are determined by techniques including photography, light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for identifying carious lesions using a detectable fluorescent probe that binds to the lesion and an optical device. The detectable probe includes a molecule, a stain, a marker, and a dye capable of binding to a caries in the enamel layer of a tooth. The detectable probe is a fluorescent composition, or a bioluminescent composition, that emits a characteristic wavelength of light following illumination at an excitation wavelength.

Abstract: Compositions and kits are provided having a peptide having an amino acid sequence that binds to eukaryotic cells and effects differentiation and support growth of the cells. Peptide-scaffold compositions containing at least one peptide or combinations of peptides are therapeutic agents for stimulating and promoting osteogenic activity and osteoinduction activity for cells. The scaffold is for example apatite, natural cancellous bone, demineralized natural cancellous bone, collagen, calcium phosphate, or hydroxyapatite.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining and identifying ligands that bind to cells and effect differentiation and/or support growth are provided herein. Several ligands were identified as proof of efficacy of the methods and systems, and amino acid sequences of compositions that effect differentiation of osteoblasts are thereby obtained.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for identifying very early stage carious lesions using a detectable probe that binds to the lesion.