The CPP-ACP (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate) nanocomplex - which is marketed internationally as Recaldent™ - is derived from the casein protein of cows milk. These peptides are responsible for carrying the calcium phosphate in milk and are what gives milk its white appearance.

The onset of caries (dental decay) commences when bacteria in plaque produce an organic acid that dissolves tooth enamel by breaking down the calcium and phosphate in the enamel. The CPP-ACP complex delivers calcium and phosphate ions into the tooth, repairing and strengthening areas of enamel previously damaged by the action of plaque bacteria – remineralising the enamel.

Video:

Watch Professor Eric Reynolds explain the molecular processes of the CPP-ACP complex [55 secs, Flash file 4.4mb].

Molecular modelling by Dr Keith Cross, CRC for Oral Health Science

Selected journal articles:

Cai F, Manton DJ, Shen P, Walker GD, Cross KJ, Yuan Y, Reynolds C. Effect of addition of citric acid and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate to a sugar-free chewing gum on enamel remineralization in situ. Caries Research 41:377-383 (2007).

Cochrane NJ, Saranathan S, Cai F, Cross KJ, Reynolds EC. Enamel subsurface lesion remineralisation with casein phosphopeptide stablised solutions of calcium, phosphate and fluoride. Caries Research 42:88-97 (2008).

Morgan MV, Adams GG, Bailey DL, Tsao CE, Fischman SL, Reynolds EC. The anticariogenic effect of sugar-free gum containing CPP-ACP nanocomplexes on approximal caries determined using digital bitewing radiography. Caries Research, 42:171-184 (2008).

Ng F, Manton DJ. Aesthetic management of severely fluorosed incisors in an adolescent female. Aust Dent J 52:243-248 (2007).

Reynolds EC. The prevention of sub-surface demineralization of bovine enamel and change in plaque composition by casein in an intra-oral model. J Dent Res 66: 1120-1127 (1987).

Reynolds EC et al. Anticariogenicity of calcium phosphate complexes of tryptic casein- and synthetic-phosphopeptides in the rat. J Ent Res 74:1272-1279 (1995).

Reynolds EC. Remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions by casein phosphopeptide-stabilized calcium phosphate solutions. J Dent Res 76:1587-1595 (1997).

Reynolds EC, Cai F. Shen P, Walker GD. Retention in plaque and remineralization of enamel lesions by various forms of calcium in a mouthrinse or sugar-free chewing gum. J Dent Res 82:206-211 (2003).

Reynolds EC, Walsh L. Additional aids to remineralisation of tooth structure. In: Preservation and Restoration of Tooth Structure. Ed. Mount G and Hume W, Brisbane: Knowledge Books and Software, pp 109-116 (2005).

Reynolds EC, Cai F, Cochrane N, Shen  P, Walker GD, Morgan MV, Reynolds C. 'Fluoride and Casein Phosphopeptide Amorphous Calcium Phosphate'. J Dent Res 87(4):344-348 (2008).

Shen P, Cai F, Nowicki A, Vincent J, Reynolds EC. Remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions by sugar-free chewing gum containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate. J Dent Res 80: 2066-2070 (2001).