Evangelia Arvanitidou

Mode of action studies of a new desensitizing mouthwash containing 0.8% arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates, and 0.05% sodium fluoride

OBJECTIVE The mode of action of an arginine mouthwash using the Pro-Argin™ Mouthwash Technology, containing 0.8% arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates and 0.05% sodium fluoride, has been proposed and confirmed as occlusion using a variety of in vitro techniques. METHODS Quantitative and qualitative laboratory techniques were employed to investigate the mode of action of the new arginine mouthwash. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigated a hydrated layer on dentine surface. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) provided information about its chemical nature. RESULTS CLSM was used to observe the formation of a hydrated layer on exposed dentine tubules upon application of the arginine mouthwash. Fluorescence studies confirmed penetration of the hydrated layer in the inner walls of the dentinal tubules. The AFM investigation confirmed the affinity of the arginine mouthwash for the dentine surface, supporting its adhesive nature. NIR showed the deposition of arginine after several mouthwash applications, and ESCA/SIMS detected the presence of phosphate groups and organic acid groups, indicating the deposition of copolymer and pyrophosphates along with arginine. CONCLUSION The studies presented in this paper support occlusion of the dentine surface upon the deposition of an arginine-rich layer together with copolymer and phosphate ions from an alcohol-free mouthwash containing 0.8% arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates and 0.05% sodium fluoride.

The development of a new desensitising mouthwash containing arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates, and sodium fluoride—A hydraulic conductance study

OBJECTIVE To investigate the ability of a novel mouthwash comprised of 0.8% arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates, and 0.05% sodium fluoride in an alcohol-free base (Pro-Argin™ Mouthwash Technology) to reduce dentine permeability. METHODS Hydraulic conductance was used to assess the dentine permeability effects of the arginine mouthwash. Aqueous solutions containing arginine and PVM/MA copolymer were studied in the initial stage of the method development. The acid resistance was tested with a cola drink challenge. Finally, a blinded study was carried out to determine the occlusion of the arginine mouthwash in comparison to a negative control mouthwash. RESULTS Dentine discs treated with the arginine mouthwash showed an average fluid reduction of 42%, which was statistically, significantly better than the fluid reduction for the negative control mouthwash. In addition, experiments using simple solutions of arginine and PVM/MA copolymer, alone and in combination, demonstrated that the combination of the two was required to provide a relevant occlusion benefit. Finally, the occlusion provided by the arginine mouthwash was maintained after exposure to an acid challenge. CONCLUSION The exclusive combination of ingredients in the arginine mouthwash has been proven to be efficacious in decreasing dentine fluid flow as measured by hydraulic conductance. The new mouthwash works by occlusion, due to the unique combination of arginine, PVM/MA copolymer and pyrophosphates.

The Cutaneous Microbiome and Aspects of Skin Antimicrobial Defense System Resist Acute Treatment with Topical Skin Cleansers

The human skin microbiome has been suggested to play an essential role in maintaining health by contributing to innate defense of the skin. These observations have inspired speculation that the use of common skin washing techniques may be detrimental to the epidermal antibacterial defense system by altering the microbiome. In this study, several common skin cleansers were used to wash human forearms and the short-term effect on the abundance of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and the abundance and diversity of bacterial DNA was measured. Despite small but significant decreases in the amount of LL-37 on the skin surface shortly after washing, no significant change in the bacterial community was detected. Furthermore, Group A Streptococcus did not survive better on the skin after washing. In contrast, the addition of antimicrobial compounds such as benzalkonium chloride or triclocarban to soap before washing decreased the growth of Group A Streptococcus applied after rinse. These results support prior studies that hand washing techniques in the health care setting are beneficial and should be continued. Additional research is necessary to better understand the effects of chronic washing and the potential impact of skin care products on the development of dysbiosis in some individuals.