OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of casein osphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) in preventing enamel demineralization.

METHODSEnamel blocks were prepared from premolars extracted from orthodontic patients. The specimens were treated for 30 min daily for 7 days with one of the following agents: deionized water (negative control), CPP-ACP paste, and NaF solutions (positive controls) (0.2% and 2%). After the treatments, the specimens were immersed in a demineralizing solution (pH 4.5) for 7 days. The morphology and depth of the lesion were observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the content of Ca, P, Mg in the demineralized enamel was measured by electron probe micro-analyzer.

RESULTSThe demineralization rates in all the treatment groups were significantly smaller than those in the control group after 7 days of demineralization.

CONCLUSIONThe application of CPP-ACP to the enamel surfaces can inhibit enamel demineralization with an equivalent effect to 0.2% NaF.