In vitro evaluation of enamel remineralisation by a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate paste.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this preliminary in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of a casein phosphopeptide and amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste on untreated enamel surfaces that had previously been exposed to an erosive challenge.


METHODS
Over a period of 6 h, enamel samples from five fully erupted, caries-free molars were incubated with apple juice and later covered with CPP-ACP paste for 15 min. Enamel samples incubated with physiological sodium chloride solution or with apple juice alone served as controls. The quantitative elementary analysis for calcium and phosphorus in various depths ranging from 5 to 50 microm was performed using an electron-probe microanalyser.


RESULTS
Exposure to apple juice resulted in a loss of minerals down to a depth of 30 microm with a mean loss of 13% at 5 microm and 6% at 10 microm. After treatment with CPP-ACP paste, the mineral loss decreased to a mean of 9% at 5 microm and remained at 5% at a depth of 10 microm (not a statistically significant difference). At a depth of 20 microm, no further mineral loss was recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that there is a slight gain in the mineral contents after the application of a CPP-ACP paste, mainly in the upper enamel layer. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the application of CPP-ACP paste may enhance the remineralisation after an erosive challenge and thus offer some protection for patients who are at risk for erosion.
Willershausen
Brita
B
Department of Operative Dentistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. willersh@uni-mainz.de
Schulz-Dobrick
Burkhard
B
Gleissner
Christiane
C
D000328:Adult; D001628:Beverages; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002364:Caseins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D002364:Caseins; D008903:Minerals; D014100:Toothpastes; C447032:casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomplex; D010758:Phosphorus; D002118:Calcium