Anticariogenic efficacy of a saliva biomimetic in head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of treatment with the saliva biomimetic, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and SnF ₂ /NaF compared with SnF ₂ /NaF alone on coronal surface caries progression in head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Methods: Twenty-four participants were randomized into two groups. Both groups used 0.4% SnF ₂ gel and a 0.32% NaF toothpaste; the test group also applied a crème containing 10% CPP-ACP three times daily while the control group used an identical crème without CPP-ACP (placebo). Resting saliva flow rate and saliva fluoride concentrations were determined. Caries status was assessed using ICDASII at baseline and 12-weeks postradiotherapy. Data were statistically analysed using a linear mixed effects model.
Results: Both groups showed significantly reduced resting saliva flow rate (P < 0.001) postradiotherapy. There were no significant differences in flow rates and fluoride concentration between groups. The CPP-ACP group exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) 51% reduction in coronal surface caries progression compared with the placebo group.
Conclusion: Resting salivary flow rate was significantly reduced in head-and-neck cancer patients following radiotherapy and use of CPP-ACP with SnF ₂ /NaF significantly lowered caries progression compared with SnF ₂ /NaF alone.
(© 2018 Australian Dental Association.)