Remineralizing action of CPP-ACP reagents on artificial carious lesions

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of CPP-ACP containing pastes; Clinpro® (500 ppm tri-calcium phosphate +950 ppm sodium fluoride) and Tooth Mousse Plus® (10% CPP-ACP + 900 ppm sodium fluoride) in remineralizing artificial enamel carious lesions. DESIGN: Fifty extracted human third molars were cleaned of soft tissue debris and inspected for any cracks, caries or hypoplasia. The teeth were painted with an acid resistant nail varnish leaving a 1 mm window on the buccal and lingual surfaces and then immersed in a demineralizing solution for 96 h, to produce artificial carious lesions 90–180 lm deep. Subsequently, the teeth were sectioned longitudinally through the lesion to produce sections that were approximately 100–150 lm thick. The tooth specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 29) and treated with a non-fluoridated or fluoridated paste (for 1 min), Clinpro® or TM Plus® pastes (for 3 min) in a 10 day pH cycling model. Lesion depth (LD) and mineral content (Vmax) for each specimen were evaluated using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and microradiography (MRG) before and after the pH cycle. Paired t-test, ANOVA and Student-Newman–Keuls tests were employed to make comparisons within, and between the different treatment groups. RESULTS: Significant differences were evident when comparisons were made between the pre- and post-treatment specimens within each group. When multiple comparisons were made, specimens treated with Clinpro® exhibited the greatest reduction in LD and increase in Vmax as compared to the other treatment groups. CONCLUSION: A three minute application of Clinpro® exhibited a higher efficacy in remineralizing artificial enamel carious lesions than TM Plus®.