CPP-ACP gum (Recaldent^® Gum) slows progression and enhances regression of dental caries

M.V. MORGAN, G.G. ADAMS, D.L. BAILEY, C.E. TSAO, and E.C. REYNOLDS, Cooperative
Research Centre for Oral Health Science, School of Dental Science, The University of
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Objectives
   To investigate the radiographic progression and regression of dental caries in adolescent
subjects chewing a gum containing CPP-ACP over a two-year period.

Methods
   2720 subjects were randomly assigned to either a test or control group. All subjects
received accepted preventive procedures, including fluoridated water, fluoridated
dentifrice, and access to professional care. The test group received a sugar-free gum
containing 54.4mg CPP-ACP while the control group received an identical gum without
CPP-ACP. Subjects were instructed to chew their assigned gum for 10 minutes 3x per day,
with 1 session supervised on school days, over the 2-year study period. Standardised
digital radiographs were taken at the baseline and at the completion of the clinical trial
using the Dexis digital X-ray system. The radiographs, scored by a single examiner, were
assessed for approximal surface dental caries at both the enamel and dentine level.
Analysis of caries progression or regression was undertaken using a transition matrix.

Results
   There was a statistically significant difference in the distributions of the transition scores
between the two groups (P value < 0.001). The CPP-ACP gum slowed progression of
carious lesions compared with the control gum. For subjects chewing the CPP-ACP gum,
814 (4.41%) of approximal surfaces experienced caries progression compared to 932
(5.31%) approximal surfaces in the control group, a reduction of 16.9%. The CPP-ACP gum
enhanced regression of carious lesions compared with the control gum. 56 (0.30%) of
approximal surfaces experienced caries regression with the CPP-ACP gum compared to
36 (0.21%) approximal surfaces with the control gum. A greater percentage of approximal
surfaces remained unchanged with the CPP-ACP gum than with the control gum.

Conclusion
   A chewing gum containing 54.4mg CPP-ACP significantly slowed progression and
enhanced regression of dental caries in a two-year clinical trial relative to a normal
sugar-free gum.

Study Sponsor: Cadbury Schweppes, Science and Technology.
Seq #196 - Caries Prevention/Genetics/Saliva
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Saturday, 1 July 2006
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Plaza Terrace