Scientists talked about the mechanism of protecting teeth from caries

Scientists have found that arginine, a natural amino acid present in human saliva, is able to reduce the aggressiveness of plaque and prevent the development of caries in the early stages. This was reported in the journal Science Daily.

Caries develops as a result of the vital activity of oral bacteria, which break down sugars from food and release acids that gradually destroy tooth enamel. These microorganisms form dense biofilms — plaque, inside which the acidic environment persists longer and increases damage to tooth tissues.

The researchers found that arginine can change the properties of such biofilms. Beneficial bacteria use arginine to produce alkaline compounds that neutralize acids. With an increased content of this amino acid in the oral cavity, conditions are created under which protective microorganisms displace acid-forming species.

To test the effect in real conditions, a team of scientists led by Professor Sebastian Schlafer from Aarhus University conducted a clinical trial involving 12 patients with active caries. The participants wore special removable structures that allowed them to assemble whole dental biofilms on both sides of the jaw.

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After exposure to the sugar solution, one side of the biofilm was treated with arginine, the other with placebo. The analysis showed that the arginine-treated areas maintained a higher pH level 10 and 35 minutes after contact with sugar, indicating lower acidity and higher resistance to enamel damage.

In addition, scientists have recorded changes in the structure of plaque. The content of carbohydrates in biofilms has decreased, contributing to the formation of "acid pockets", and the distribution of sugars has become less dangerous for the tooth surface. Genetic analysis of bacteria has shown a shift in the microbial balance towards species capable of processing arginine and maintaining a neutral environment.

The authors note that arginine is a natural component of the body and is found in many foods, making it a safe candidate for use in the prevention of tooth decay. According to them, adding arginine to toothpastes and mouthwashes can be an effective protective measure, especially for people at increased risk of developing tooth decay, including children.

Anastasia Kardakova, a periodontist, dentist and expert at REVIXAN, told Izvestia on November 18 about the health-threatening symptoms in her mouth. According to her, a thin plaque on the tongue in the morning is a variant of the norm: it appears due to dryness or leftover food. However, if the plaque is dense, cheesy, accompanied by a burning sensation and an unpleasant odor, this may indicate a fungal infection (oral candidiasis).

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