Effect of a CPP-ACP agent on the demineralization and remineralization of dentine in vitro

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine in vitro the effect of a commercial paste based on CPP-ACP complex on the demineralization of sound human dentine and on remineralization potential of artificial caries-like lesions formed on dentine surfaces. METHODS: Forty dentine specimens were prepared with hard tissue microtome. The specimens were divided in four groups the A, B, C and D (n=10). The specimen surfaces were subjected to surface analysis by Fourier transformance micro multiple internal reflectance infrared spectroscopy (micro MIR-FTIR). Tooth mousse was applied on surface specimens of A group, while no agent were applied on the specimens of B group. Afterwards, groups A, B, C and D were immersed in demineralization solution for 7 days. Afterwards, the surfaces were subjected to micro MIR-FTIR analysis and the mineral to matrix ratio was used to assess the extent of dentin demineralization (DM). Tooth mousse was applied on specimens of group C, while no agent was applied on specimens of group D. The groups C and D immersed in artificial saliva for 7 days and were subjected to analysis by micro MIR-FTIR and the mineral to matrix ratio was used to assess the extent of dentin remineralization (RM). RESULTS: Group A showed significant lower %DM in comparison to group B. Group C resulted in a significant higher %RM compared to group D. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of agent CPP-ACP on dentine surfaces provoked lower demineralization and higher remineralization in comparison with the dentine surfaces without agent.