Objectives: It has been reported previously that Ca ionizability in solutions can be remarkably stabilized by phosphoryl-oligosaccharides (POs) extracted from potato starch hydrolysate. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a chewing gum containing POs on remineralization of enamel in situ. Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers (6 males and 6 females; mean age=21 y old) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=4 per group) and participated in a double-blind intraoral study. Each volunteer wore a maxillary appliance in which 3 demineralized enamel slabs were mounted and chewed one of a sugar-free xylitol gum (X), xylitol plus 2.5% POs gum or sucrose gum (S) 4 times a day (after meals and before bed time; 20 min each) . During the study period, no fluoride agent was used and great care was taken not to dry the enamel slabs. The enamel slabs were removed after 1, 2 and 4 w and were analyzed for the lesion depth (ld, micrometer) by transversal microradiography (TMR). Results: After 2 w, the samples in the POs group indicated significantly lower (p<0.05) ld values (mean±SD=40±3) compared with the S group (58±13) and the X group (61±6) . After 4 w, the ld value in the POs group (29±3) reduced significantly (p<0.01, p<0.05) by 60% compared with the S group (72±16) and by 48% with respect to the X group (56±14). Conclusions: In conclusion, it was suggested that daily use of a sugar-free chewing gum containing 2.5% POs enhanced enamel remineralization remarkably.

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