Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. To maintain oral health, it is important to have a healthy cycle of repair (also known as remineralisation) that acts upon demineralised teeth (teeth that have lost some minerals in the natural wear and tear). Demineralisation and remineralisation have a crucial impact on the strength of tooth enamel. The fight to keep teeth strong and healthy is determined by the ratio of demineralisation to remineralisation. 

What is demineralisation (wear and tear) and remineralisation (repair)?

Demineralisation occurs when the pH balance in the mouth is low and there are not enough mineral ions to maintain the tooth’s mineral content. Typically, when one consumes sugary foods, the plaque bacteria break down carbohydrates and produce lactic acid that dissolves the enamel crystals, also known as hydroxyapatite, in our teeth, weakening them and leaving us prone to dental problems such as white spots, cavities, pain etc. 

What is teeth nourishment?

But here’s the silver lining – our body has a natural process of repairing teeth that are called remineralisation. This is like teeth nourishment in which the calcium and phosphate minerals from your saliva get deposited back onto the surface of teeth enamel. To maintain the strength of your teeth and keep off dental illness, this teeth nourishment process helps replenish these lost minerals to some extent. The minerals combine to create the hydroxyapatite compound, which serves as the foundation and strength of your teeth. 

Now, what if I told you that there is a way to maintain a healthy ratio of wear and tear and repair in our mouths? Arginine is an amino acid that, when introduced in the oral hygiene routine, helps maintain the pH balance in the mouth and counters the very production of plaque bacteria. It, in fact, supports the growth of healthy bacteria (prebiotic-like action) in our mouth, which can help to neutralise harmful acid-producing bacteria and promote a healthier environment for teeth.

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What is arginine? Is arginine good in toothpaste?

The amino acid arginine can be considered an essential component of the teeth nourishment process. Arginine is a naturally occurring substance that is safe to use and interacts well with other organic components like fluoride and natural calcium, making it the perfect ingredient for toothpaste. Clinical trials have shown that the addition of arginine to toothpaste enhances its cavity-fighting potential.  

Arginine can be a game changer for oral health. It is a perfect ingredient for oral hygiene products due to its natural properties, compatibility with other natural ingredients and antibacterial properties. It’s an easy and simple nourishment that can improve overall oral health, reduce the risk of cavities and ensure strong and healthy teeth for years to come. Routine dental checkups and good oral hygiene maintenance are important to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

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Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.