Arginine's potential to reduce early cavity formation

In a 12-person clinical study, applying arginine to dental biofilms raised pH after sugar exposure and altered biofilm carbohydrate composition and the mix of bacteria.

Researchers tested whether arginine, a natural amino acid present in saliva, can reduce the harmful effects of dental biofilms that form on teeth. Dental biofilms are dense microbial communities where bacteria produce acid after sugar exposure, which can erode enamel. The trial was led by Yumi C. Del Rey and Sebastian Schlafer at Aarhus University and was published in the International Journal of Oral Science. Twelve people with active tooth decay wore custom dentures that let researchers collect intact biofilms for paired comparisons between arginine and a placebo applied after sugar exposure. Key findings: - The study used paired treatments on opposite sides of the mouth and ran for four days with repeated sugar exposure followed by either distilled water (placebo) or arginine. - Biofilms treated with arginine showed higher pH (lower acidity) at 10 and 35 minutes after sugar exposure, measured with the pH-sensitive dye C-SNARF-4. - Arginine exposure was associated with a decrease in fucose-containing carbohydrates and a shift in where galactose-containing carbohydrates were located within the biofilm. - 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed a reduction in the mitis/oralis group of streptococci and a relative increase in streptococci better able to metabolize arginine. - The authors reported that arginine made biofilms less prone to acidification and changed both their carbohydrate matrix and microbial composition. Summary: The short, controlled human study found that topical arginine reduced acidification inside dental biofilms and changed their carbohydrate structure and bacterial balance. The researchers suggested arginine could be added to oral products such as toothpaste or rinses, and further clinical evaluation was not specified. Undetermined at this time.