Tooth coating gel with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and propolis to prevent dental caries

Dental caries is an irreversible condition where tooth cavities occur because of Streptococcus mutans. It can be prevented using casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) to re-calcify and inhibit the demineralization of dentin. Propolis is used to prevent S. mutans growth. We aimed to observe the efficiency and stability of CPP-ACP with ethanol extract propolis (EEP) in tooth coating gel to prevent caries. The CPP-ACP complex preparation was adapted from the US patent for calcium phosphopeptide complexes. Three EEP concentrations (2%, 4%, and 6%) and a control (0%) were used. An organoleptic study was used to qualitatively measure the appearance and texture of the tooth coating gel. Then, bacterial growth was evaluated to analyze antibacterial activity. The morphology of all tooth samples was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The tooth coating gel containing CPP-ACP and 2% EEP had excellent stability, and the treated tooth had a good prism pattern and smooth uniform pores. The tooth coating gel containing CPP-ACP and 6% EEP inhibited 73.78% growth of S. mutans compared with the control. We suggest the combination of CPP-ACP and propolis in the tooth gel can support remineralization and be used to prevent dental caries.