The History of Recaldent
The School of Dental Science at the University of Melbourne in Australia has long been interested in the anticariogenic properties of milk .In 1981 they showed that milk, milk concentrates, powders and cheeses help prevent dental caries in animals and in situ caries models, though these properties of milk were known well before this. As far back as 1946 it was reported that the anticariogenic properties of milk were due to casein, calcium and phosphate.
Further investigation by the University showed that it was a particular part of the casein protein, the casein phosphopeptides, or CPP, that was responsible for the tooth-protective activity. They showed that peptides containing the cluster sequence of amino acids -Ser(P)-Ser(P)-Ser(P)-Glu-Glu have a remarkable ability to stabilise calcium and phosphate and keep them in a soluble, amorphous state. Normally, combining calcium and phosphate ions will result in the formation of insoluble calcium phosphate crystals. But in the presence of CPP this doesn't happen, and the calcium and phosphate remain in an ionic form that can diffuse into the tooth enamel and repair areas that have been damaged through the activity of plaque bacteria. This is the basis of preventing and reversing dental caries.
Since this discovery, the University has conducted many studies that demonstrate how the casein phosphopeptides and amorphous calcium phosphate, or CPP-ACP, work to repair dental caries. Patents have been granted on the peptides and on the CPP-ACP complex that have been licensed exclusively to Recaldent Pty Ltd, who manufactures and markets CPP-ACP under the RECALDENT™ brand around the world. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Recaldent
What is CPP-ACP, and how does it work?
CPP-ACP is the acronym for a complex of casein phosphopeptides and amorphous calcium phosphate.
Casein phosphopeptides (CPP) are a group of peptides derived from casein, part of the protein that occurs naturally in milk. The CPP are thought to be responsible for the high bioavailability of calcium from milk and other dairy products. The CPP containing the amino acid cluster sequence -Ser(P)-Ser(P)-Ser(P)-Glu-Glu have the ability to bind and stabilize calcium and phosphate in solution, as well as bind to dental plaque and tooth enamel. Calcium phosphate is normally insoluble, ie. forms a crystalline structure at neutral pH. However, the CPP keep the calcium and phosphate in an amorphous, non-crystalline state. In this amorphous state calcium and phosphate ions can enter the tooth enamel. The high concentration of calcium and phosphate ions in dental plaque following exposure to CPP-ACP have been extensively researched and proven to reduce the risk of enamel demineralization and promote remineralization of tooth enamel.
 |
Is the CPP-ACP safe?
CPP-ACP is derived from casein, a protein found in milk, and is generally recognized as safe ("GRAS"). In early 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the CPP-ACP GRAS notification. CPP-ACP contains no lactose, the carbohydrate in milk that can cause gastrointestinal upset sometimes seen with dairy-based products. Therefore, despite its dairy origin, gastrointestinal symptoms are not seen with CPP-ACP. However, RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is manufactured from the cow's milk protein casein. People with an allergy to milk protein should avoid products containing RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP).
How does RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) work to remineralize teeth?
The high concentration of calcium and phosphate ions at the tooth's surface can diffuse into uncavitated sub-surface lesions in the tooth enamel and re-crystallize, thereby adding minerals into the enamel and repairing the lesion.
Has the ability of RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) to remineralize tooth enamel been scientifically tested?
The CPP-ACP technology has been extensively researched by staff at the University of Melbourne Dental School since the 1980s. Below is a listing of some of the scientific publications validating this technology:
Reynolds EC, J Dent Res. 1987; 66: 1120-1127.
Reynolds EC, J Dent Res. 1997; 76: 1587-1595.
Reynolds EC, J Spec Care 1998; 18(1): 8-16.
Shen P, Cai F, Nowicki A, Vincent J, Reynolds EC. J Dent Res. 2001; 80(12): 2066-2070.
Reynolds EC, Cai F, Shen P, Walker GD. J Dent Res. 2003; 82(3): 206-211.
Mazzaoui SA, Burrow MF, Tyas MJ, Dashper SG, Eakins D, Reynolds EC. J. Dent. Res. 2003 82: 914-918.
Iijima Y, Cai F, Shen P, Walker G, Reynolds C, Reynolds EC. Caries Res 2004; 38: 551-556.
Has the tooth-strengthening claim of RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) been clinically proven?
For the results of in situ clinical trials examining the remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions by chewing gum containing casein phosphopeptides stabilized with amorphous calcium phosphate, and the resistance of the remineralized enamel to acid challenge, please click on the links below.
Shen P, Cai F, Nowicki A, Vincent J, Reynolds EC. J Dent Res. 2001; 80(12): 2066-2070.
Reynolds EC, Cai F, Shen P, Walker GD. J Dent Res. 2003; 82(3): 206-211.
Iijima Y, Cai F, Shen P, Walker G, Reynolds C, Reynolds EC. Caries Res 2004; 38: 551-556.
Does RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) interact with other agents in oral care products, especially fluoride?
Calcium, phosphate and fluoride should ideally be in an ionic form in order to remineralize tooth enamel. The CPP have been shown to keep the calcium, phosphate and fluoride as ions in solution, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the fluoride as a remineralizing agent.
Can people who are lactose-intolerant use products containing RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP)?
Yes RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is digestible by people with lactose intolerance. Products containing RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) should not be consumed by people with milk protein allergies |
