Addition of CPP-ACP to yogurt inhibits enamel subsurface demineralization

The aim of this study was to investigate the capacity of an approved food additive with anticariogenic properties, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), when added to a processed, sugar-containing yogurt with added lactic-acid bacteria (probiotics), to prevent demineralization of enamel subsurface lesions in vitro.

Enamel subsurface demineralised lesions were created in thirty extracted human third molars. These were then exposed to artificial saliva (AS) with: 1) Danone yogurt alone; 2) Danone yogurt with 0.2 % w/w CPP-ACP; or 3) Danone yogurt with 0.5 % w/w CPP-ACP at 37 °C for two weeks. The yogurt/AS was replaced with fresh preparations each day. At the completion of each treatment the enamel slabs were embedded, sectioned and analyzed using transverse microradiography to measure changes in enamel lesion depths and subsurface mineral content. Yogurt samples were analysed for soluble calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels and pH.

Yogurt alone demineralized enamel subsurface lesions to produce significantly larger lesions. However, the addition of 0.2 % CPP-ACP to the yogurt resulted in significant reduction in demineralization compared with yogurt alone (p < 0.0001). The addition of 0.5 % CPP-ACP to the yogurt produced a net remineralization effect with a significant increase in lesion mineral content (p < 0.0001). The addition of CPP-ACP resulted in a significant (p < 0.0001) dose-related increase in Ca, Pi and pH.

The addition of CPP-ACP to a commercial yogurt exhibited a dose related protective effect with 0.5 % CPP-ACP producing remineralization of existing enamel subsurface lesions under the in vitro experimental conditions. CLINICAL SIGNIfiCANCE: The results of this study suggest that some processed yogurts with added sugar could result in enamel demineralization when frequently consumed by individuals with poor oral hygiene. The addition of CPP-ACP to these yogurts may help prevent demineralization and promote enamel subsurface lesion remineralization, and therefore, make them safer for teeth.