| abstract |
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for calcifying dental tissue, e.g., preventing or treating dental hypersensitivity. An oral composition of arginine bicarbonate and calcium carbonate promotes the formation of dentinal tubule plugs aided by combining calcium and phosphate in the fluid. In a specific example, an arginine bicarbonate/calcium carbonate mixture blocked dentinal tubules in a model system. In addition to treating dentinal sensitivity, the compositions and methods of the invention provide for calcifying exposed tooth pulp, calcifying the base or all of a pit or fissure in a tooth, and treating a carious lesion. |