Copper ions inhibit the demineralisation of human enamel.
Cu2+ is cariostatic in rats reportedly due to it bacteriocidal properties. Here, we report the use of a simple abiotic model system to investigate whether Cu2+ has any inhibitory effect on the acid dissolution of human enamel. Crowns were exposed to a sequence of seven 10 mmol/l acetic acid challenges. The mineral dissolved during each challenge was then determined. CuSO4 (10 mmol/l) was present during the fourth of these challenges. Loss of calcium and phosphate were reduced by 57 and 63%, respectively, (P<0.0001) in the presence of Cu2+. Losses were also significantly reduced during the next acidic challenge in the absence of Cu2+. The degree of protection was found to approach maximum at about 5 mmol/l Cu2+. The well-known cariostatic properties of Cu2+ may therefore be due not only to its ability to inhibit bacterial growth but also to its ability to directly inhibit acid dissolution of enamel.
Brookes
S J
SJ
Division of Oral Biology, Leeds Dental Institute, LS2 9LU, Leeds, UK. s.j.brookes@leeds.ac.uk <s.j.brookes@leeds.ac.uk>
Shore
R C
RC
Robinson
C
C
Wood
S R
SR
Kirkham
J
J
D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D003747:Dental Enamel Solubility / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D010710:Phosphates; D003300:Copper; D019342:Acetic Acid; D002118:Calcium