Glowing shield protecting teeth from bacteria

Could This Simple Mineral Combo Be the Key to Stronger Teeth?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Research shows how Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) fights plaque, strengthens enamel, and could revolutionize dental care."

Dental caries, more commonly known as tooth decay, stands as one of the most widespread chronic diseases globally. This condition arises from the intricate interplay between bacterial biofilms (dental plaque) on the tooth surface and the fermentation of dietary sugars. When we consume sugary foods, bacteria in our mouths produce organic acids that demineralize the tooth structure, leading to cavities.

While various bacteria contribute to this process, Streptococcus mutans is identified as a primary culprit due to its ability to thrive in acidic environments and produce high levels of acid. Traditional treatments often involve fluoride and meticulous oral hygiene. However, emerging research is exploring innovative approaches, focusing on casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) – a compound showing promise in preventing and reversing early tooth decay.

Glass ionomer cements (GIC) are dental materials used for remineralizing teeth. The purpose of the study was to see the benefits of the combination of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) with Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC) in restorative dentistry. The study wanted to determine its effectiveness against oral bacteria, S. mutans, and the development of dental plaque (biofilm).

The Science Behind CPP-ACP and Its Impact on Dental Health

Glowing shield protecting teeth from bacteria

Casein phosphopeptide-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) functions like a biomimetic, meaning it mimics natural biological processes. In this case, CPP-ACP replicates the protective qualities of saliva. Saliva is naturally rich in calcium and phosphate ions, which are essential for maintaining tooth enamel. CPP-ACP delivers these vital minerals in a bioavailable form, effectively inhibiting demineralization and promoting the remineralization of early caries lesions. This process helps to rebuild and strengthen weakened enamel, reversing the initial stages of tooth decay.

CPP-ACP is more than just a remineralization agent. Research indicates that it can bind to Streptococcus mutans, hindering its ability to adhere to the tooth surface. By interfering with bacterial adhesion, CPP-ACP helps to prevent the formation of biofilms, which are the foundation of dental plaque and subsequent caries development. Recent clinical studies further support this, demonstrating that CPP-ACP reduces the overall burden of S. mutans in the oral cavity.

In Vitro Studies: Laboratory experiments demonstrate CPP-ACP's ability to remineralize enamel subsurface lesions.
In Situ Studies: Research within the oral environment confirms CPP-ACP's effectiveness in real-world conditions.
In Vivo Studies: Clinical trials on human subjects showcase the tangible benefits of CPP-ACP in preventing and reversing early tooth decay.

To expand on these findings, scientists investigated combining CPP-ACP with glass ionomer cements (GIC). GICs are already known for their ability to release fluoride, promoting remineralization and inhibiting bacterial growth. The goal was to create a superior restorative material, one that not only repairs teeth but also actively combats the underlying causes of tooth decay.

Future of Dental Care: CPP-ACP and the Fight Against Tooth Decay

CPP-ACP shows promise to change dental health. The data shows incorporating CPP-ACP into GIC dramatically reduces S. mutans biofilm. Furthermore, using CPP-ACP alongside normal dental treatment could protect against S. mutans. With further research, expect for more innovative ways to prevent tooth decay and encourage healthy smiles for future generations.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162322, Alternate LINK

Title: Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Reduces Streptococcus Mutans Biofilm Development On Glass Ionomer Cement And Disrupts Established Biofilms

Subject: Multidisciplinary

Journal: PLOS ONE

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Authors: Stuart G. Dashper, Deanne V. Catmull, Sze-Wei Liu, Helen Myroforidis, Ilya Zalizniak, Joseph E. A. Palamara, N. Laila Huq, Eric C. Reynolds

Published: 2016-09-02

Everything You Need To Know

What is tooth decay and what causes it?

Dental caries, often known as tooth decay, is a widespread chronic disease. It occurs when bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans, in the mouth produce acids from sugar consumption, which demineralize tooth enamel. This process leads to cavities and is a significant global health issue. The combination of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) and Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC) aims to address these issues by strengthening enamel and reducing harmful bacteria.

How does Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) work?

Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) functions as a biomimetic, mimicking the protective qualities of saliva, which is naturally rich in calcium and phosphate ions. CPP-ACP delivers these minerals in a bioavailable form, inhibiting demineralization and promoting remineralization of early caries lesions. This process helps to rebuild and strengthen weakened enamel, potentially reversing early tooth decay. It also binds to Streptococcus mutans, hindering its ability to adhere to the tooth surface.

What are Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC), and how do they fit in?

Glass ionomer cements (GIC) are dental materials used for remineralizing teeth. CPP-ACP combined with GIC has shown to be more effective against oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and reducing the development of dental plaque (biofilm). GICs are already known for their ability to release fluoride, further aiding in remineralization and inhibiting bacterial growth. This combination creates a superior restorative material that not only repairs teeth but also actively combats the underlying causes of tooth decay.

What was the purpose of combining CPP-ACP with GIC?

The research explored combining Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) with Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC) to enhance restorative dentistry. The studies demonstrated that this combination significantly reduces Streptococcus mutans biofilm, addressing the root causes of tooth decay. CPP-ACP's ability to inhibit demineralization and promote remineralization, combined with GIC's properties, provides a comprehensive approach to dental health.

What are the potential future impacts of this research on dental care?

The implications of this research suggest that Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) could change dental health. By incorporating CPP-ACP into Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC) and other dental treatments, it is possible to reduce the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and enhance the remineralization of teeth. This offers the potential for more effective preventive and restorative dental care, contributing to healthier smiles and a reduced global burden of tooth decay in the future.