Self-assembly of dental surface nanofilaments and remineralisation by SnF(2) and CPP-ACP nanocomplexes

Dental caries, erosion and hypersensitivity are major public health problems. SnF(2) is used widely in oral care products to help prevent/treat these conditions. Casein phosphopeptide-stabilised amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomplexes (CPP-ACP) are a biomimetic nanotechnology of salivary phosphopeptide-ACP complexes that deliver bioavailable calcium and phosphate ions to promote dental remineralisation (repair). We show here using in vitro studies and a double-blind, randomised controlled, cross-over design in situ clinical trial that SnF(2) and CPP-ACP interact to form a nanofilament coating on the tooth surface and that together they are superior in their ability to promote dental remineralisation. Sn(II) by cross-linking the CPP-ACP helps to stabilise the complexes which improves delivery to the tooth surface and enhances binding and ion incorporation into tooth mineral. The combination of SnF(2) and CPP-ACP in oral care products may significantly improve their efficacy in prevention/treatment of dental caries/erosion and hypersensitivity.