Effect of a casein/calcium phosphate-containing tooth cream and fluoride on enamel erosion in vitro

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether a tooth cream containing casein/calcium phosphate (CasCP) protects enamel against erosion. Sixty bovine enamel specimens were prepared for profilometry and distributed into five groups. Specimens were rinsed with artificial saliva interrupted by 1% citric acid (pH 2.3) for 30 s 6 times daily for 14 days. Group 1 (n = 12) was not treated (control); in group 2 (n = 12) CasCP was applied for 120 s twice daily; in group 3 (n = 12) 250 ppm fluoride as NaF was applied for 120 s twice daily; in group 4 (n = 12) CasCP was applied for 120 s, then 250 ppm fluoride for 120 s twice daily, and in group 5 (n = 12) amine fluoride (AmF) gel (12,500 ppm fluoride) was applied for 120 s twice daily. Differences between groups with respect to erosive enamel loss (profilometrically determined depth after 7 and 14 days) were tested by the Mann-Whitney test (alpha = 0.05). After 7/14 days' erosive cycling, specimens treated with AmF gel showed significantly less enamel loss (18.5/35.5 mu m; medians) than those treated with CasCP (25.5/46.9 mu m), 250 ppm fluoride (25.0/40.9 mu m), CasCP and 250 ppm fluoride (23.9/ 47.4 mu m) or with no treatment (26.3/49.8 mu m). It is concluded that highly fluoridated acidic AmF gel can protect enamel against erosion while CasCP, 250 ppm fluoride or a combination of CasCP and 250 ppm fluoride provide little protection. Copyright (C) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.