In Situ Remineralisation by Sugar-Free Gums, One Containing CPP-ACP

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of a CPP-ACP containing sugar–free chewing gum TW (Trident™ White) with sugar-free gums not containing CPP-ACP: Or (Orbit™) and OrP (Orbit™ Professional) to remineralise enamel subsurface lesions (WSL) in an in situ model. Methods: Specimens for WSL mineralisation were sectioned from either buccal or lingual surfaces of extracted sound third molar teeth, and the WSL were created using the carbopol method. A randomised, double blind cross-over study was conducted. Ten healthy adult subjects were recruited. Subjects chewed the gum for a 20min period 4 times per day for 14 days. Enamel half slabs were paired with their control, embedded in resin and microradiographic images taken. The difference in mineralization profile in the control specimen between the sound and WSL enamel windows was designated ΔZ_c, with the difference in the test specimen designated ΔZ_t. Percentage remineralisation (%R) was calculated according to the formula (1– ΔZ_t/ΔZ_c) x 100. Results: TW produced remineralisation (%R) of 18.4 ± 0.9%, with Or 8.9 ± 0.5% and OrP 10.5 ± 0.9%. Trident White™ therefore produced 107% more remineralisation than the Orbit™ gum and 75% more than the Orbit Professional™. All differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: The addition of CPP-ACP to sugar-free chewing gum significantly increased the mineralisation of WSL in situ when compared to two other gums not containing CPP-ACP. This study was supported by the Cooperative Research Centre for Oral Health Science, School of Dental Science, The University of Melbourne.