Illustration of laser and casein treatment for children's teeth.

White Spots on Primary Teeth? Laser and Casein May Be the Answer

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study explores how laser treatment combined with casein phosphopeptide can effectively remineralize early enamel lesions in children's teeth."

Dental caries, or tooth decay, is a common issue, especially in young children. Maintaining a balance between demineralization and remineralization is key to preventing cavities. While fluoride has long been a primary defense, concerns about fluorosis have led to the exploration of alternative and complementary methods.

One such method gaining attention is laser treatment. Laser irradiation can alter the enamel's structure, making it more resistant to acid attacks. Another promising approach involves casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), a milk-derived product known for its remineralizing properties.

A recent study investigated the combined effect of laser irradiation and CPP-ACP on artificial white spot lesions, which are early indicators of enamel demineralization, in primary teeth. The study aimed to determine if this combined approach could enhance calcium and phosphate concentration and improve the surface microhardness of the enamel.

Laser + Casein: A Powerful Remineralization Duo?

Illustration of laser and casein treatment for children's teeth.

The study, conducted by researchers at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, involved eighty primary teeth with artificial white spot lesions. The teeth were divided into four groups:

Group A: A control group treated with distilled and deionized water.
Group B: Treated with Nd:YAG laser.
Group C: Treated with CPP-ACP crème.
Group D: Treated with both CPP-ACP crème and Nd:YAG laser.

The surface microhardness of the enamel was measured using a Vickers hardness tester. Additionally, the mineral content (calcium and phosphate) was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) tests. The results revealed that Group D (CPP-ACP plus laser) showed the most significant increase in calcium and phosphate content on the enamel surface compared to the other groups. Group D also exhibited a higher mean VHN (Vickers Hardness Number) compared to other groups. SEM evaluations confirmed these findings, showing a smoother, more homogenous surface in the CPP-ACP plus laser group.

What Does This Mean for Your Child's Dental Care?

The study suggests that combining Nd:YAG laser treatment with CPP-ACP crème may be an effective preventive modality for remineralizing white spot lesions in primary teeth. This approach could offer a promising alternative or complement to traditional fluoride treatments, particularly for young children.

The researchers propose that laser irradiation enhances the penetration of calcium and phosphate into the enamel, while CPP-ACP provides a readily available source of these minerals. This synergistic effect leads to the formation of new hydroxyapatite crystals and a more resistant enamel surface.

While these findings are encouraging, further research is needed to confirm these results and optimize the treatment protocol. Consulting with a pediatric dentist is crucial to determine the best approach for your child's specific dental needs. They can assess the risk of caries and recommend appropriate preventive measures.

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: 10.4317/jced.52165, Alternate LINK

Title: Laser-Casein Phosphopeptide Effect On Remineralization Of Early Enamel Lesions In Primary Teeth

Subject: General Dentistry

Journal: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry

Publisher: Medicina Oral, S.L.

Authors: N Asl-Aminabadi, E Najafpour, M Samiei, L Erfanparast, S Anoush, Z Jamali, F Pournaghi-Azar, S Ghertasi-Oskouei

Published: 2015-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are white spot lesions?

White spot lesions are early signs of enamel demineralization on primary teeth. These lesions are areas where the enamel has lost minerals, making the surface appear white or chalky. If left untreated, they can progress to cavities. The article highlights the potential of interventions to remineralize these lesions, preventing further damage.

How does the study suggest treating white spot lesions?

The study suggests a promising approach combining Nd:YAG laser treatment with CPP-ACP crème for remineralizing white spot lesions. The Nd:YAG laser alters the enamel structure to be more resistant to acid attacks. CPP-ACP, a milk-derived product, provides calcium and phosphate ions to rebuild the enamel. The combination of these two, CPP-ACP and the laser, showed the most significant improvement in mineral content and surface hardness of the enamel.

How do the laser and CPP-ACP work together?

Laser treatment works by altering the structure of the enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks that cause tooth decay. In the study, an Nd:YAG laser was used for this purpose. CPP-ACP, on the other hand, provides essential minerals, calcium and phosphate, that are key components of enamel. Together, these two methods aim to restore and strengthen the tooth's outer layer.

Why is tooth decay an important issue, and how does this relate to the article?

Dental caries, or tooth decay, is a prevalent issue among young children. The significance lies in the need to maintain a balance between demineralization and remineralization to prevent cavities. The study offers an alternative or complementary approach to traditional fluoride treatments by remineralizing early enamel lesions in primary teeth, which helps in preventing cavities.

What are the practical implications of this study for dental care?

The implications of the study's findings are significant for children's dental care. Combining Nd:YAG laser with CPP-ACP crème offers a potential preventive modality for white spot lesions. This approach could reduce the reliance on fluoride treatments. The study's findings suggest a move toward innovative and effective methods for maintaining and improving children's oral health.