Enhanced Fluoride Bioavailability with Incorporation of Arginine in Child Dentifrices

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Oral Health Research
• Fluoride Chemistry

Background:

• Child formula dentifrices (CFDs) are crucial for pediatric oral hygiene.
• Understanding fluoride bioavailability in CFDs is essential for effective caries prevention.
• The role of additives like arginine in modulating fluoride efficacy requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify fluoride concentrations in commercial child formula dentifrices.
• To assess the impact of incorporating L-arginine or L-arginine monohydrochloride on fluoride bioavailability in CFDs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of total, soluble, and insoluble fluoride content using the modified Taves acid-diffusion method (TAD).
• Determination of ionic fluoride and monofluorophosphate (MFP) concentrations.
• Incorporation of 2% L-arginine or L-arginine monohydrochloride into commercial CFDs and assessment of pH, buffer capacity, and potentially available fluoride (PAF).

Main Results:

• Commercial CFDs exhibited variable insoluble fluoride content (4-32%).
• L-arginine and L-arginine monohydrochloride significantly improved fluoride bioavailability (p<0.05).
• L-arginine increased slurry pH, while L-arginine monohydrochloride decreased it due to chloride presence.

Conclusions:

• Child formula dentifrices containing sodium fluoride (NaF) demonstrate higher inherent fluoride bioavailability.
• The addition of arginine, in either L-arginine or L-arginine monohydrochloride form, enhances the fluoride bioavailability in CFDs.
• Arginine incorporation represents a promising strategy to optimize the anticaries potential of children's toothpaste.