BACKGROUND: Caries in children younger than 72 months is called early childhood caries (ECC). Sixty-six per cent of Chinese children younger than 5 years old have dental decay, and about 97% of them are untreated. AIMS: This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the remineralization effects of the casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) crème on the artificial early enamel lesions of the primary teeth and to assess its caries-prevention efficiency. DESIGN: Enamel specimens with artificial early lesions were produced and were then randomly divided into Group A: distilled and deionized water, DDW, as negative control; Group B: CPP-ACP crème, test group; Group C: 500 ppm NaF solution, as positive control. The enamel surface microhardness (SMH) was measured before, after demineralization, and 30 days after remineralization. The results were analysed with the SPSS 13.0 software package. The enamel specimens were analysed by the scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The CPP-ACP crème increased SMH of the eroded enamel significantly more than 500 ppm NaF solution did. The morphology of the enamel was different in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The CPP-ACP crème is effective in remineralizing early enamel lesions of the primary teeth, a little more effective than 500 ppm NaF and can be used for the prevention of ECC. 2011 The Authors. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
BACKGROUND: Caries in children younger than 72 months is called early childhood caries (ECC). Sixty-six per cent of Chinese children younger than 5 years old have dental decay, and about 97% of them are untreated. AIMS: This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the remineralization effects of the casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) crème on the artificial early enamel lesions of the primary teeth and to assess its caries-prevention efficiency. DESIGN: Enamel specimens with artificial early lesions were produced and were then randomly divided into Group A: distilled and deionized water, DDW, as negative control; Group B: CPP-ACP crème, test group; Group C: 500 ppm NaF solution, as positive control. The enamel surface microhardness (SMH) was measured before, after demineralization, and 30 days after remineralization. The results were analysed with the SPSS 13.0 software package. The enamel specimens were analysed by the scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The CPP-ACP crème increased SMH of the eroded enamel significantly more than 500 ppm NaF solution did. The morphology of the enamel was different in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The CPP-ACP crème is effective in remineralizing early enamel lesions of the primary teeth, a little more effective than 500 ppm NaF and can be used for the prevention of ECC. 2011 The Authors. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry