The combination of arginine and fluoride-containing bioactive glass acted synergistically in inhibiting enamel demineralization in permanent teeth.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the in-vitro efficacy of inhibiting enamel demineralization using arginine in combination with fluoride-containing bioactive glass (FBG). METHODS: In this study, the healthy enamel blocks were first demineralized in acetic acid for 24 h, then soaked in anti-demineralization treatment solutions containing either arginine or FBG or both for 96 h.The specimens treated in acetic acid were applied as the control group. The pH, calcium and phosphorus ion concentrations of the solutions were measured before and after treatment. Changes in enamel mineral weight, microhardness, and composition were also analyzed. RESULTS: The present of arginine facilitated fluorine release from treatment solutions with the presence of FBG. Both arginine and FBG significantly increased the pH of treatment solutions and prevented the further mineral weight loss compared to the control group. All anti-demineralization treatment groups showed significant increases in microhardness, but there was no statistical difference among the treatment groups. The SEM analysis showed enamel restoration in the arginine and FBG groups upon treatment, while the combined groups showing a superior anti-demineralization efficacy. (19)F NMR showed the formation of fluorapatite in samples treated with solutions containing FBG. CONCLUSIONS: Both arginine and FBG could inhibit enamel demineralization to some extent, and their combination demonstrated an enhanced anti-demineralization efficacy. The low-concentration combination group exhibited anti-demineralization effects comparable to those of high-concentration ones. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study introduces a new approach for caries prevention by combining the application of arginine and FBG. The release of fluorine promoted by the presented arginine along with calcium and phosphorus ions from FBG facilitated FAP formation. Additionally, the increment of pH resulting from arginine and FBG degradation further prevents enamel demineralization.