How does fluoride and CPP-ACP work?
FLUORIDE AND CPP-ACP Four Fluoride ions promote the formation of fluorapatite in the presence of calcium ions and phosphate ions. This is now believed to be the major mechanism of fluoride ion’s action in preventing tooth decay. However, fluoride ions can only promote remineralization of tooth enamel with fluorapatite if enough salivary or plaque calcium and phosphate ions are available when the fluoride is topically applied. Hence, on topical application of fluoride ions, the availability of calcium ions and phosphate ions are the limiting factor for net enamel remineralization to occur (Ten Cate, 1999). MI Paste PLUS is a superior form of fluoride ions as it also contains CPP-ACP. MI Paste PLUS therefore contains bio-available calcium ions, phosphate ions and fluoride ions. CPP-ACP plus fluoride has been shown to increase fluoride’s uptake into plaque and subsurface enamel and substantially increase subsurface enamel remineralization in situ with fluorapatite relative to fluoride alo
