The inhibitory effect of glycomacropeptide on dental erosion

Throughout the world, the consumption of acidic foods, soft drinks and fruit juices has increased and has been associated with a rise in dental problems such as caries and erosion. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of glycomacropeptide (GMP) against dental erosion and to compare the effect with that of caseinophosphopeptides (CPP). To assess the contribution of the calcium content of these peptides and their protection, calcium-reduced GMP (GMP-ca) and calcium-reduced CPP (CPP-ca) were studied. Hydroxyapatite was used as the tooth model. At a pH of 3, the protective effect of GMP was superior to that of CPP; however, CPP performed better at a pH of 4.5. The effect of GMP-ca and CPP-ca was evident only at a pH of 4.5, when compared with native GMP and CPP. These findings indicate that the calcium content of the peptide may have a role in protection against mineral loss from teeth. However, the pH of the erosive solution was the most influential factor contributing to erosion.