Protective effect of yogurt extract on dental enamel demineralization in vitro.
BACKGROUND
Casein phosphopeptides (CPPs) are phosphorylated casein-derived peptides produced synthetically by proteolytic digestion of alpha(s1)-, alpha(s2)- and beta-casein. The anticariogenic activity of CPPs is due to their ability to stabilize high levels of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) on tooth surface, preventing demineralization and enhancing remineralization of enamel caries. The aim of this study was to test the in vitro ability of natural CPPs (contained in yogurt) to prevent demineralization and promote remineralization of dental enamel.


METHODS
Eighty human molars were used. After standardizing an in vitro demineralization procedure for producing artificial caries (Group 1: pH 4.8; Group 2: pH 3.97), this procedure was used on teeth, but with the addition of natural CPPs (Group 3: pH 4.8; Group 4: pH 3.97). The effects of these procedures were evaluated by quantitative analysis (change in weight and calcium titration) and qualitative analysis (SEM). Statistical analysis of the results was performed using ANOVA.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis showed significant differences in weight changes between the groups with and without natural CPPs. The SEM observation showed the protective effects of natural CPPs.


CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrated that CPPs contained in yogurt have an inhibitory effect on demineralization and promote the remineralization of dental enamel.
Ferrazzano
G F
GF
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy. gianmariafabrizio@yahoo.it
Cantile
T
T
Quarto
M
M
Ingenito
A
A
Chianese
L
L
Addeo
F
F
D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry*; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002364:Caseins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods; D015014:Yogurt
D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D002364:Caseins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C519480:amorphous calcium phosphate; C412562:caseinophosphopeptide 1-25