In vitro remineralization of NaF pastes containing TCP or CPP-ACP

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the white-spot lesion remineralization potential of Clinpro Tooth Crème (950 ppm F plus TCP) and MI Paste Plus (900 ppm F plus CPP-ACP) relative to a fluoride-free dentifrice.

Method: White-spot lesions were initially formed in bovine enamel by immersion in a Carbopol-lactic acid solution saturated with 50% hydroxyapatite (pH=4.9) for 50 hours (37°C), and stratified into three treatment groups (N=10): A: fluoride-free Silly Strawberry (Tom’s of Maine); B: MI Paste Plus (GC America); C: Clinpro Tooth Crème (3M ESPE). The groups were then immersed upside-down in a daily regimen consisting of four one-minute treatments (three-fold dilution with distilled water), one four-hour acid challenge (Carbopol-lactic acid, pH = 4.9), and artificial saliva (pH = 7.0) exposure in between these events. The treatment slurries and artificial saliva were continuously agitated at 300 rpm while the acid challenge was static. Each day the artificial saliva and acid solution were refreshed. After 10 days, microhardness measurements were performed at the enamel surface (percent surface microhardness recovery, % SMHR) and subsurface (relative lesion size, ΔZ, √KHN•µm).

Result: Mean (SEM) % SMHR were as follows: A: -3.4 (1.9); B: -1.0 (0.5); C: 22.6 (3.8), with A≤B<C (ANOVA, Tukey, p<0.05). Mean (SEM) ΔZ calculations were as follows: A: 613.7 (19.5); B: 514.5 (40.7); C: 191.8 (13.8), with A>B>C (ANOVA, Tukey, p<0.05).

Conclusion: Statistical splitting was observed between pastes A and C demonstrates the model is sensitive to standard fluoride levels in topical pastes. Paste C produced statistically superior surface and subsurface strengthening relative to pastes A and B. These pilot results suggest Clinpro Tooth Crème may provide additional anti-caries benefits relative to MI Paste Plus.