Enhancing the Remineralization Potential of Child Formula Dentifrices: An In Vitro Study

Objective(s): The incorporation of Arginine (Arg) in NaF-containing child dentifrice might enhance its remineralizing potential, reducing fluorosis risk with significant anti-caries benefit. The study objective was to examine the remineralizing potential of arginine in child formula dentifrice (600-ppm NaF).Study Design: Primary teeth enamel specimens (n = 10) with artificial caries-like lesion were randomly divided to 4 treatment groups: A: 2% Arg-(600-ppm) NaF; B: 600-ppm NaF; C: 1100-ppm NaF; and D: deionized water subjected to 7-day pH-cycling. The mineral density (MD) of the treated specimens was assessed using micro-CT. The pre-/post-treated artificial caries-like lesion were acid-etched for enamel fluoride uptake (EFU) evaluation, Ca and P element analysis using ICP-OES, and the inorganic phosphate (PO₄^3-) determination using colorimetric assay. Results: The percentage remineralization of the 2% Arg-NaF and 1100-ppm NaF groups was significantly higher than the 600-ppm NaF group (p<0.001). However, no significant difference in remineralization was observed between the two groups (p>0.05). The EFU, Ca/P ratio, PO₄^3- content of the 2% Arg-NaF group were significantly higher than the 600-ppm NaF group (p<0.01); while no significant difference was found between the 2% Arg-NaF and 1100-ppm NaF groups. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, incorporation of 2% arginine in 600-ppm NaF child formula dentifrice enhanced the remineralization potential of artificial enamel caries, to a level comparable to 1100-ppm NaF adult formula dentifrice.