Assessing the Changes in Cariogram Generated Risk Profiles following the use of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Chewing Gums

Introduction: Caries risk assessment is an essential element in the prevention of the disease. Targeted preventive strategies customised for each individual is economically beneficial and rational. Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) is the preferred anticariogenic agent among non fluoridated preventive agents. Aim: To assess the changes in cariogram generated risk profiles following the use of CPP-ACP chewing gums. Materials and Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted at Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India, for a period of 14 days, January, 2017. CPP-ACP chewing gums were distributed to a group of 10 healthy individuals of the age group 18-25 years. They were instructed to use the gums for a period of 14 days. Details required for constructing a cariogram were obtained via questionnaires, interview, oral examination and salivary analysis. Two cariograms were constructed for each individual using the details collected before and after usage of the gums. The percentage change in each sector was tabulated and interpreted. Results: There was a visible increase in the percentage of chances to avoid caries sector (green colour) in all cariograms. The percentage increase ranged from 3-24%. A significant reduction of the susceptibility sector (light blue colour) with difference ranging from 3-12% and bacteria sector (red colour) with difference range from 3-8% was seen. Circumstances and diet sectors (yellow and dark blue colours) showed negligible changes. Conclusion: The CPP-ACP is an effective preventive intervention that can alter the cariogram of an individual by increasing the green colour sector area.