Abstract
The remineralization of incipient caries lesions is enhanced by fluoride and/or various calcium phosphate complexes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a new calcium complex purified from bovine milk, micellar calcium phosphate-phosphopeptide (MCP-PP), to remineralize artificial caries-like lesions. Microradiography revealed that MCP-PP enhanced the remineralization of human subsurface enamel lesions. Next, we examined the acid resistance of the remineralized subsurface lesions. The remineralized samples treated with MCP-PP were stored in demineralizing solution for a day, and the mineral loss was calculated. In the MCP-PP group, the loss of mineral volume through acid challenge was less than that of the control group, implying that remineralized enamel specimens treated with MCP-PP are more resistant to acid attack than control specimens. The results suggest that MCP-PP is useful as a new calcium reservoir, which can be applied for dental caries prevention.
