Enamael Remineralisation by Arginine-Calcium Carbonate Toothpaste

Abstract

White spot lesions (WSLs) are the first visual indication that the dynamic processes that maintain healthy tooth enamel have shifted in favour of demineralisation. It is possible to reverse this early stage of enamel caries with good oral hygiene and home-use products that enhance the bioavailability of salivary calcium, phosphate and fluoride species. Arginine (C6H14N4O2), a conditionally essential α-amino acid, is metabolised by oral bacteria to generate ammonia which protects enamel from acid-erosion. It also forms complexes with Ca2+ ions which increase the bioavailability of calcium and promote remineralisation. The present in vitro study investigates the potential of a commercial arginine- and calcium carbonate-bearing toothpaste (Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate-Palmolive (UK) Limited) to repair WSLs in human enamel under optimum and aggressive acid-challenge conditions