Dentin Erosion and Proteolytic Activity: Evaluating MMP Inhibition Strategies through a Systematic Review.

Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to December 2024. Inclusion criteria included in vitro and in situ studies published in English or Spanish that investigated MMP or cathepsin activity in eroded or erosion-abrasion dentin. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Cochrane tool adapted for in vitro studies. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 were in vitro, 2 were in situ, and 1 used a combined in vitro/in vivo design. Risk of bias assessment showed that 85% of the included studies had a low risk of bias, with the remainder exhibiting moderate risk due to unclear randomization or incomplete outcome reporting.