A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Anne Nugent Guignon, RDH, MPH, CSP
Abstract
Regardless of the mechanism, neutralizing oral acid is a primary goal for preventing or treating caries, erosion, and candidiasis infections. Caries and erosion are classified as pH-mediated conditions. Repeated acid attacks eventually damage enamel, dentin, and cementum. Acidic pH also sets the stage for the development of oral fungal infections. A variety of situations allow the oral pH to become acidic: frequent intake of acidic foods and beverages or fermentable carbohydrates, medical conditions involving regurgitation, acidic stomach acid vapors, insufficient salivary flow, poor-quality saliva, xerostomia, and high numbers of acid-producing microbes.
Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this educational activity participants will be able to:
1. Understand developmental differences between caries and erosion
2. Appreciate the role of dry mouth syndrome in oral disease
3. Learn how dietary habits and food composition affect oral health
4. Discover how acidogenic and aciduric microbes are involved in oral disease
5. Understand how arginine and arginine-based compounds contribute to a neutral oral pH
6. Learn about the antimicrobial properties of arginine
To view this entire course, click here.
