Maintaining good oral hygiene is a simple task. A little diligence, awareness and attention are sufficient to keep your oral cavity healthy. The hard outer layer covering your teeth’ crowns (white layer) is known as the enamel. Enamel, which covers the crowns of our teeth, is composed mostly of minerals and is the hardest substance produced by the human body, surpassing even the strength of bone. This vital layer protects the soft inside of your teeth (also known as the pulp) from damage, decay, and infection and keeps them looking bright, white, and healthy.
Even though enamel is a robust material, it is vulnerable to acid and microbial attack from the dental plaque. Owing to poor oral hygiene practice and unhealthy diet (i.e. direct exposure to the acids in food and beverages), bacteria in the dental plaque can dissolve enamel over time through acid formation. This process is called demineralization that eventually leads to tooth decay and cavities resulting in pain and poor dental aesthetics. However, the acid-weakened enamel can be nourished and repaired, and those important minerals can be restored through remineralization of teeth.
The importance of remineralization in strengthening teeth
Remineralization of teeth or teeth nourishment occurs when vital minerals—like calcium and phosphates—are deposited back onto the weakened/ demineralized areas of enamel. This process of teeth nourishment helps to replace lost minerals to keep your teeth strong and prevent tooth disease. The use of arginine is an example of how recent technological advancements have resulted in formulations that can greatly enhance the oral health of individuals who brush their teeth.
Arginine: The ultimate defender against tooth decay
Arginine is an amino acid found naturally in food and saliva which has shown promising results in stabilizing dental plaque (biofilm), decreasing enamel demineralization, and supporting re-mineralization or teeth nourishment. Besides, arginine has shown beneficial effects which aid in pH neutralization and oral homeostasis.1 Studies have also shown that fluoride toothpaste containing arginine has advantages like strengthening the enamel and actively nourishing the teeth.2
Dental health can be improved significantly using arginine containing oral care products. Arginine-containing toothpaste gets twice the reversal of early caries (tooth decay), twice the amount of teeth nourishment, and twice as strong teeth by delivering this important amino acid right to your teeth and gums for the best results.
How can I nourish my teeth?
- Produce optimum saliva - Saliva contains crucial components like calcium and phosphate that neutralize harmful acids and aid in mineral restoration. Maintaining a consistent saliva flow by chewing sugar-free gum can help safeguard your enamel against acid erosion and demineralization.
- Opt for a toothpaste specifically formulated for strengthening teeth - Toothpaste containing arginine has been clinically demonstrated to rebuild enamel strength by nourishing and remineralizing teeth.
- Eat a balanced diet- Eating a balanced diet can help to fortify weakened teeth by supplying them with essential nutrients like calcium, fiber, and saliva. For example, foods rich in arginine, calcium, and phosphate (dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt) should be incorporated into your daily diet.
- Avoid acidic drinks- Demineralization and tooth decay can be caused by soda, sports drinks, and fruit juices since these are highly acidic and can wear down enamel.
