SEM investigation on casein phosphopeptides capability in contrasting cola drinks enamel erosion: an in vitro preliminary study

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ABSTRACT

Aim

Erosion of dental hard tissues induced by acidic dietary components is a high-prevalence finding, especially
among children and adolescents. Acidic soft drinks are frequently implicated in dental erosion. The aim of this in vitro study
was to assess if CPP-ACP preparation is capable of reducing enamel erosion caused by a cola-type drink. MATERIALS AND

Methods

Twenty-five sound human permanent premolars, extracted for orthodontic reasons in patients of 12-16 years
old, were used. The roots were removed and the crowns were sectioned in order to obtain 3 enamel sections from each
tooth. The specimens were immersed in: (A) cola-type drink; (B) cola-type drink plus CPP-ACP; (C) deionised water (control)
for: 48 h, 24 h, 12 h, 6 h and 3 h, respectively. pH values were constantly monitored. Statistical analysis was performed using
ANOVA. The enamel samples were evaluated for surface changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

Specimens subjected to cola-type drink (treatment A) showed wide areas of enamel dissolution, while the treatment B
specimens showed a few areas of little enamel erosion, different from control samples. Adding CPP-ACP to the cola-type
drinks influenced pH levels of the solutions, but always in the acidity range.

Conclusion

CPP-ACP provides protection
against dental erosion from cola-type drinks in vitro. Therefore, further studies are necessary to evaluate if adding casein
phosphopeptide-stabilised amorphous calcium phosphate complex to acidic cola drinks could reduce their erosive potential
in vivo as well.

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