Combined effect of paste containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and fluoride on enamel lesions: an in vitro pH-cycling study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to show through enamel remineralization that a combination of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride is better than fluoride alone when the processing time for remineralization is short. METHODS: The bovine enamel slabs (n=28) were subjected to pH cycling for 4 days. Paste containing CPP-ACP and/or fluoride was applied for 30 minutes daily. The sections were observed using a polarizing microscope and microradiographs. RESULTS: In the groups treated solely with sodium fluoride (NaF) solution, tissue loss on the enamel surface was observed. On the other hand, in the groups that had been treated with a mixture of the NaF solution and CPP-ACP, the enamel surface was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate-containing paste has the ability to maintain the enamel surface; the combined use of CPP-ACP paste and fluoride enhances this ability, thereby reducing demineralization.