Means and method for improving natural defenses against caries

Abstract

Destruction of tooth tissues due to various microorganisms is slowed or prevented by introducing into the mouth arginine or an arginine precursor, especially peptides having from 2-4 amino acid units at least one of which is arginine.

What is claimed is 
     
       1. A method for supplementing the body's resistance to caries which comprises providing to the mouth an effective amount of a caries combatting pH rise factor which is .[.a peptide.]. .Iadd.a source of pH adjusting compound or precursor thereof .Iaddend.having 2-4 amino acid units at least one of which is arginine. 
     
     
       2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pH rise factor is provided in concentrations of from about 0.05 mM to about 3 mM. 
     
     
       3. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pH rise factor is provided in combination with a dental care product. 
     
     
       4. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pH rise factor is provided in a food product. 
     
     
       5. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pH rise factor is provided in combination with chewing gum. .Iadd. 6. The method according to claims 1, 3, 4 or 5 wherein said pH-rise factor is applied to the mouth in association with fluoride ions. .Iaddend..Iadd. 7. The method according to claim 1 wherein said pH-rise factor is provided to the mouth in a mouth wash. .Iaddend..Iadd. 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein said pH-rise factor is provided to the mouth in tooth paste. .Iaddend..Iadd. 9. The method according to claim 1 wherein said pH-rise factor is provided in tooth powder..Iaddend.