Objectives: Recently, a range of novel calcium phosphate remineralization delivery systems have been developed for clinical application. The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the anticariogenic potential of two calcium phosphate based remineralizing technologies, i.e., casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and crystalline nano medical hydroxyapatite (mHAP).
Methods: Bio-availability of calcium and phosphate ion, buffering capacity and compatibility with fluoride ion were chosen as surrogate indicators to assess the anti-caries property. Two paste products were selected for analysis: 1) Tooth Mousse containing CPP-ACP (TM, GC Corp.); 2) RENAMEL Treatment Paste containing mHAP (RE, Oral Care). Firstly, 10wt% slurry was prepared by mixing the paste product and distilled water for further experiments. To determine the bio-available level of calcium phosphate in the products, the slurry was centrifuged and concentration of calcium and phosphate in the supernatant was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and colorimetrically, respectively. The buffer capacity of slurry was evaluated by mixing acid. To evaluate the compatibility of fluoride with the calcium phosphate ingredients in products, the slurry was mixed with dilution of general fluoride toothpaste (900ppm fluoride). After the centrifugation of the mixture, ionic fluoride concentration was determined using ion-specific electrode. Date were statistically analyzed (N=6 per group, Student's t test).
Results: Both of water soluble calcium and phosphate level (µmol per g of paste, Mean±SD) in TM (Ca 249.3±13.9, Pi 196.7±5.0) were significantly higher than RE (Ca 3.5±0.1, Pi 6.0±0.1). The buffer capacity of TM was higher than RE. Fluoride availability in TM mixture was 83.1% higher than RE mixture. Differences between TM and RE were statistically significant (P<0.01).
Conclusions: Bio-available calcium phosphate amount and buffering efficacy provided by TM was higher than RE. And TM was more compatible with fluoride ion. These properties must positively act on caries prevention.