Change in surface hardness of enamel by a cola drink and a CPP–ACP paste

Objectives This in vitro study used surface microhardness to evaluate whether a paste containing casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP–ACP) can reharden tooth enamel softened by a cola drink, and how different saliva-substitute solutions affect the enamel hardness. Methods Twenty-four bovine incisors, each tooth consisting of treatment and control halves, were immersed in a cola drink (Coke®) for 8 min, then placed under a 0.4 mL/min drip with various saliva-substitute solutions. The saliva-substitute solutions were: saliva-like solution (SLS) with 1 ppm fluoride, SLS without fluoride, and Biotene® mouthwash. CPP–ACP paste was applied to the treatment halves for 3 min at 0, 8, 24, and 36 h. Knoop microhardness measurements were performed at baseline, after the cola drink immersion, and after 24 and 48 h contact with saliva-substitute solution. Results Enamel hardness significantly decreased after immersion in cola drink (ANOVA, p < 0.05). After contact with saliva-like solutions for 48 h, those treated with CPP–ACP paste were significantly harder than those untreated regardless of the presence of 1 ppm fluoride in the saliva-like solution (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Biotene® mouthwash significantly softened the enamel surface (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Two-way ANOVA showed significant effects of the CPP–ACP paste application and types of saliva-substitute solutions on the changes in surface hardness of the softened enamel at a significance level of 0.05. Conclusion The application of CPP–ACP paste with continuous replenishment of saliva-like solution for 48 h significantly hardened enamel softened by a cola drink. Biotene® mouthwash softened enamel surface after 48 h contact.