Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) May Be an Alternative Preventive Therapy in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) on the buffering capacity of saliva and plaque pH in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and Methods: A total of 15 3- to 8-year-old subjects with CP living in a governmental institution were included in this study. Dental plaque pH and the buffering capacity of saliva were measured at the first visit (baseline) and accepted as control values. CPP-ACP complex (GC Tooth Mousse) was applied to the children twice a day. Measurements were repeated after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks. Results: Plaque indicator data show decreased acidogenicity in the 8-week period. Although there were no significant differences between the baseline and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd weeks' pH scores, a statistically significant difference was observed between the initial and 4th, 6th and 8th weeks' plaque pH scores. Saliva buffer scores were found to statistically significant increase between baseline and the 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks. Conclusion: Daily application of 10% w/v CPP-ACP paste is effectively changes saliva buffering capacity and plaque pH, thus promoting caries prevention in the primary and mixed dentition of CP children. Keywords: buffering capacity, cerebral palsy, CPP-ACP, plaque pH, saliva