The Prevention of Sub-surface Demineralization of Bovine Enamel and Change in Plaque Composition by Casein in an Intra-oral Model

Abstract

The ability of bovine milk phosphoprotein (casein) to be incorporated into plaque, prevent enamel sub-surface demineralization, and affect bacterial composition was determined using a modified intra-oral caries model. The intra-oral model consisted of a removable appliance containing a left and right pair of bovine enamel slabs placed to simulate an approximal area. Supragingival plaque was collected and impacted into the left and right inter-enamel spaces. The left side of the appliance was exposed to various sugar and salt solutions, while the right side was exposed to sugar and casein solutions. Sodium caseinate, the major fraction αs1-casein, and a tryptic digest of αs1-casein (TD-casein..