Tooth decay is a universal problem. Regular brushing with a toothpaste containing fluoride is one of the common recommendations dentists give their patients. Although generally effective, there are times when fluoride fails to prevent tooth decay. This has influenced many dental professionals to research for alternatives in treating teeth decay.

1. The Way to Dental Health: Arginine-Containing Toothpaste and Deep Teeth Cleaning
Tooth decay is a universal problem. Regular brushing with a toothpaste containing fluoride is
one of the common recommendations dentists give their patients. Although generally effective,
there are times when fluoride fails to prevent tooth decay. This has influenced many dental
professionals to research for alternatives in treating teeth decay.
One of the findings is the reported usefulness of arginine,
an essential amino acid. Colgate-Palmolive Company,
one of the leading toothpaste conglomerates in the world,
sponsored a study in 2010 about including arginine in the
toothpaste formula. The results of the study state that
combining 1.5% arginine with 1450 ppm fluoride creates
an active bacteria-fighting formula. It’s also found to be
more effective than using only 1450 ppm (or parts per
million) fluoride alone.
Arginine as an Emerging Major Toothpaste Ingredient
Arginine has long been an active ingredient of many dental products. It’s useful for relieving
sensitive teeth reacting to hot and cold beverages and other factors. This is because arginine has
calcium and phosphate, which forms a protective layer on the tooth’s dentin. The researchers
involved in the study put together arginine and insoluble calcium. According to their study, the
mixture offset the effect of plaque acids. This stabilized the residual plaque on the tooth surfaces,
which reduced its effect.
The insoluble calcium, on the other hand,
supplemented the re-mineralization process. This
helped reverse the onset of cavity infections. Many
dentists agree that the findings are plausible. Calcium,
for one, is one of the essential minerals necessary for
dental health, while arginine has long been useful in.
These findings open up more opportunities for
studying arginine and calcium compounds for creating
new types of toothpaste. This can promote anti-cavity
growth and help patients achieve better oral health.

2. An Important Complement to Daily Dental Care
Brushing with toothpaste containing arginine will help keep teeth clean. As dentists advise, daily
brushing isn’t enough to ensure great dental care, however. Everyone has to visit the dentist at
least twice a year for deep cleaning. Dentists will remove the plaque manually and get rid of the
buildup of calcium deposits. An ultrasonic instrument will loosen the tartar and spray some water
to wash away the accumulated debris.
They will then use scalers and curettes to remove the
smaller deposits. Scraping the teeth carefully will take
away stubborn plaque stuck on the surface. Addition of a
special gritty paste-like material on your teeth will follow.
The dentist will use it for polishing to make the teeth
smoother.
Everyone should visit their dentists regularly for early
treatment against cavities. This prevents tooth decay and
maintains healthy teeth for many years.
Resources:
http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/03005712/PIIS0300571210000862.pdf
http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/faq/scale-and-polish/
http://www.doctoradrian.com/