Some newly designed surface-active phosphates were investigated with respect to their capacity to inhibit caries lesion formation in vitro. On the labial or buccal surfaces of sound human third molars, windows were prepared for investigation. One half of each window was treated with the test compound at pH values of 7.5, 5.5, or 3.5. The other half served as a control. Both halves were demineralized and the generated caries lesions in both parts were compared by means of quantitative microradiography. Mono-, bis- and trisphosphates differed only marginally in their effect on the demineralization. The compounds diminished the demineralization down to 30% of that of untreated enamel. Per molecule at least one long alkyl chain (more than 12 C atoms) was required for achieving decreased demineralization, indicating the importance of a low surface tension. The results suggest that some of the tested compounds have promising properties for their use as anticaries agents, especially when applied in combination with fluoride.
