CPP-ACP and Fluoride: A Synergism to Combat Caries

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the demineralization inhibitory effect, fluoride release at varying time intervals, and antibacterial property of MI varnish and fluor protector varnish.

Twenty-four extracted human premolars were sectioned mesiodistally. The buccal and the lingual halves of the teeth were utilized to evaluate the demineralization inhibitory effect and fluoride release of MI varnish and fluor protector varnish, respectively. To evaluate the demineralization inhibitory effect, 150-μm axial longitudinal section was obtained that was photographed and evaluated under a polarized light microscope. To evaluate the fluoride release, a fluoride-specific ion electrode was used. To evaluate the antibacterial susceptibility, the disk diffusion test (Kirby-Bauer method) was done.

Statistical analysis was done using the Students unpaired t test for intergroup comparison and the p value <0.01 was obtained for all the three parameters, i.e., demineralization inhibitory effect, antimicrobial property, and fluoride releasing property at different time intervals.

A combination of casein phosphopeptide (CPP)-amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) in fluoride varnish seems to enhance the caries preventive potential of fluoride varnish and antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans.

MI varnish, a combination of CPP-ACP and fluoride varnish could be the future of minimally invasive dentistry as it is minimally invasive yet an effective modality for caries prevention.

Attiguppe P, Malik N, et al. CPP-ACP and Fluoride: A Synergism to Combat Caries. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(2):120-125.