Oral biofilm acid neutralization

Oral biofilm acid neutralization refers to the collective set of mechanisms and interventions that counteract the drop in pH caused by bacterial metabolism of dietary sugars within dental plaque. Key contributors include bicarbonate in saliva, alkali production from arginolytic bacteria (notably via the arginine deiminase pathway), and the use of therapeutic agents such as sodium bicarbonate, arginine, or calcium carbonate in oral care products. This process is pivotal in preventing enamel demineralization and dental caries, as sustained acidic conditions in plaque drive tooth mineral loss. Acid neutralization raises the local pH, facilitates remineralization, and shifts the oral microbiome away from cariogenic communities.

Other names

Plaque acid neutralizationdental biofilm acid neutralizationoral plaque pH bufferingacid neutralization in dental plaque

Neutralization of organic acids (primarily lactic acid and others produced by cariogenic bacteria); Buffering of plaque pH back toward neutral; Promotion of remineralization by lifting pH above the critical demineralization threshold; Modulation of the oral microbiome away from acidogenic species