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Public Health · single question

What property makes arginine anticariogenic?

  1. It modifies/neutralizes salivary pH (alkaline via ammonia production)
  2. It is fermented by bacteria into acid
  3. It directly kills S. mutans
  4. It increases plaque acidity
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Correct answer: A. It modifies/neutralizes salivary pH (alkaline via ammonia production)

  • A. Correct. Arginine is metabolized by oral bacteria (via the arginine deiminase system) into ammonia, which raises/neutralizes plaque pH, counteracting cariogenic acid production.
  • B. This is the opposite of arginine's actual mechanism — arginine does not ferment into acid.
  • C. Arginine does not have direct bactericidal action against S. mutans; that mechanism better describes xylitol's antibacterial effect.
  • D. Arginine decreases (not increases) plaque acidity.

Note: Memory trick: 'Arginine = Alkaline.'

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