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CALCIUM PHOSPHATE-BASED technologies that can remineralize hard tooth tissues or, at a minimum, retard caries-producing demineralization. Author has worked with an experimental chewing gum containing calcium phosphate that can eliminate the ability of sucrose-challenged plaque to demineralize tooth enamel, thus preventing a cavity from forming or progressing. Additional studies have shown that separate calcium and phosphate compounds, incorporated into gums and candies, are even more effective in producing remineralizing conditions in the mouth. "We can put calcium phosphate in reservoirs in plaque for several hours. It's a very straightforward approach of being able to keep the appropriate ions in the plaque." calcium phosphate occurs naturally in foods and thus is inherently safe. He says the PRC research on calcium phosphate-releasing gums and candies is now in the hands of manufacturers that may or may not want to bring it to market. Right now, over-the-counter consumer dental products seem to be more focused on such products as tooth whiteners rather than products to prevent cavities
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