Research Shows Foods Containing an Amino Acid Could Aid Oral Health
Researchers have suggested that eating foods that contain the amino acid arginine could improve oral health.
Researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Michigan in the USA have revealed that arginine, a common, naturally-occurring amino acid also found in many food products, can help to reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. The teams believe that L-arginine aids oral health by breaking down plaque.
Further trials in this area have already been planned, but the initial findings highlight the positive effects of arginine. The results of the study have been published in the PLOS ONE journal.
Dr Nick Jakubovics from Newcastle University’s School of Dental Sciences explained that the research teams discovered that L-arginine, which is commonly found in meat, dairy and fish products, helped to stop plaque from forming. Trials were conducted in a laboratory setting. L-arginine is already used in some sensitive toothpastes, as it is believed to help with hypersensitivity and this new study suggests that it may also play an important role in the prevention of dental plaque, the main risk factor for cavities and gum disease.
Dr Jakubovics explained that the findings could be hugely significant, especially in terms of the potential impact on rates of gum disease. It is simple and affordable to add L-arginine to toothpaste products and mouthwashes.
Although decay and gum disease are preventable, surveys show that 31 percent of adults in the UK have signs of cavities and up to 45 percent suffer from gum disease. Measures such as adding L-arginine to dental hygiene products could help to bring these rates down and improve the oral health of the nation.
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