The evaluation of fluorescence changes after application of casein phosphopeptides (CPP) and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) on early carious lesions.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of casein phosphopeptides (CPP) and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), as an adjunct to average oral hygiene, on the fluorescence of initial carious fissures and pits in vivo.

Methods: For this investigator-blind in vivo study 32 volunteers were recruited. Subjects with premolars and molars showing DIAGNOdent-values between 15 and 20 were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. During a wash-out period of 2 weeks and during the 3-week treatment period all subjects were instructed to use only standard fluoride toothpaste (1450 ppm F- as NaF) and to abstain from any oral hygiene products other than dental tape. During the treatment period, one group additionally applied a CPP-ACP containing cream on the respective fissures for 3 minutes, once per day. At Days 1, 8, 15, and 22, DIAGNOdent measurements and a visual assessment of the fissures were performed by two calibrated independent examiners.

Results: No significant changes of DIAGNOdent values were found in the control group during the study period. Fissures additionally treated with the CPP-ACP containing cream showed significantly lower laser fluorescence values after Day 15 (P = 0.001) and Day 22 (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. No significant difference in the visual classification between the two groups could be found.