Research on Remineralizing Agents

According to recent research, it has been found that CPP-ACP containing varnish had a higher remineralizing effect when compared to tricalcium phosphate (TCP) containing varnish on white spot lesions. The study is published in the Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences.

Casein phosphopeptides-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) is a bioactive agent with a base of milk products, which has been formulated from two parts: casein phosphopeptides (CPP) and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP).

Ebaa Alagha and Amira Mohammad Samy from the Department of Restorative Dentistry, Al-Farabi Private Colleges, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and School of Oral and Dental Medicine, Badr University, Badr City, Egypt carried out this study to evaluate the impact of two remineralizing agents containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on white spot lesions.

A total of 90 freshly extracted upper premolars were divided into three equal groups (30 each):

• Group A: Control group
• Group B: Varnish containing CPP-ACP
• Group C: Varnish containing TCP

The teeth were subjected to Diagnodent test after inducing white spot lesions to assess any surface changes present on the teeth. The readings were repeated post-demineralization and post-remineralization.

Results

• Statistically significant difference was present in the mean values between the tested groups.
• CPP-ACP group recorded higher mean value at demineralization when compared to TCP group.
• Statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was present between the baseline and the demineralization values.
• CPP-ACP group presented higher remineralization results when compared to TCP group.
• T-test proved a significant difference between the tested groups.

Hence, it was concluded that "CPP-ACP containing varnish had higher remineralizing effect when compared to TCP containing varnish when treating white spot lesions."

Recently, the focus of restorative dentistry has been directed toward a conservative approach. Prevention and non-restorative treatment of initial enamel caries is the main concern. Remineralization procedures are the most preferred way of regeneration of lost tooth structure, the authors further added.