Effectiveness of CPP-ACP and fluoride products in tooth remineralization

Objectives To compare the effectiveness of the casein phosphopeptide-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) in the in situ remineralization of enamel exposed with two different degrees of preformed enamel lesions. Methods One hundred and sixty 3 x 3 x 2 mm human enamel slabs were demineralized and divided into two subgroups according to the baseline surface hardness (SH = B1 <= 150 and B2 >150). During each of four 10-day experimental periods, 10 participants wore intra-oral removable acrylic palatal expanders with four human enamel slabs with preformed lesions (B1 and B2): CO1 and CO2-Control: silica dentifrice without fluoride; MP1 and MP2: MI Paste; MPP1 and MPP2: MI Paste Plus; and FD1 and FD2: Fluoride dentifrice. The Knoop hardness test (50/15s Micromet 2001, Buehler) was performed after demineralization (B1 and B2) and after treatment (T1 and T2). Results SH was higher in all treatment groups, when compared with the controls, except for CO2 (Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon Test; p < 0.05). The %SH was similar between MPP2 and FD2 and between MPP2 and MP2; however, FD2 and MPP2 products were more effective in microhardness recovery. In B1, all treatment groups were similar. Conclusion MPP and FD are more effective in preventing demineralization in enamel subsurface lesions.