Experimental study on bioactive molecules in contrasting dental diseases: microbiological assay, oral delivering and enamel remineralization

The objective of this research program was to determine a new way in caries and erosion prevention. To achieve this target was analyzed the more effective anti-caries and anti-erosive bio-active molecules of natural origin, in order to elaborate a new novel chewing gum device. The under discussion molecules were plant polyphenols and casein-phosphopeptides. The research project has been divided in three parts: initially, was analyzed in vitro, through SEM inspection and pH analysis, the remineralizing effect of casein-phosphopeptides against cola drink dental erosion. In the second part, a microbiological assay of effects of Plantago lanceolata tea on oral bacteria was assessed: initially, the P. lanceolata tea was chemical analyzed for its polyphenolic content; then, the MIC and MBC were determined for P. lanceolata extracts against cariogenic bacteria; subsequently, a controlled random clinical study was conducted on 44 volunteers to evaluate a P. lanceolata-based mouth rinse on cariogenic bacteria content in saliva. In the third part, in vitro experiments were performed using a specifically designed chewing apparatus to test the release in artificial saliva of Calcium (derived from CPP) and Quercetin included in gums, during the chewing time; while the in vivo experiments required a two sessions clinical trial, performed by 10 volunteers, in order to analyze the in vivo performance of the experimental chewing-gums.