In vitro remineralization of enamel with a solution containing casein and fluoride.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of casein in a remineralization solution on enamel remineralization. Bovine blocks were demineralized for 21 days, then, allocated into four groups. The specimens were remineralized for 21 days in the following artificial saliva solutions: 1) 0 microg/mL casein, 0 ppm fluoride (F) (C0-F0); 2) 0 microg/mL casein, 1 ppm F (C0-F1); 3) 10 microg/mL casein, 0 ppm F (C10-F0); and 4) 10 microg/mL casein, 1 ppm F (C10-F1). Micro-CT analyses were performed once a week. Specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The present results suggest that casein by itself inhibits remineralization, whereas the coexistence of casein and F promotes the remineralization of caries bodies by interrupting mineral deposition on the enamel surface.