Arginine-containing fluoridated toothpaste – an oral prebiotics with caries-preventive potential
This focus article summarizes the current research on fluoride containing toothpaste paste with arginine and its potential effect on crown and root caries. Arginine is degraded by certain bacteria in the plaque to ammonia via the arginine deiminase system (ADS). Theoretically this would counteract a deep pH drop in a cariogenic plaque. Data show that arginine counteracts pH decline in plaque and can thus be considered a prebiotics.
Clinical studies indicate collectively that fluoride containing toothpaste paste with arginine is more effective than a traditional fluoride containing toothpaste for the prevention and remineralization of caries lesions. However, a systematic literature review estimates the evidence level as “very low”, as they considered studies, according to the authors, are of high/ moderate risk of bias, primarily because of the studies are sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive. Further clinical studies are therefore welcome from independent research groups. This would ensure a better scientific basis for assessing whether a fluoride toothpaste with arginine is better for preventing caries than a traditional fluoride toothpaste without.
