Could an amino acid replace fluoride in toothpaste? new trial tests arginine against cavities

NCT ID NCT04750902

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Colgate Palmolive Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 21, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether toothpaste containing arginine, an amino acid, can prevent cavities in children aged 10 to 14. Participants brush twice daily with one of three strengths of arginine toothpaste or a standard fluoride toothpaste for one year. Researchers measure new cavities, fillings, or missing teeth to see if arginine works as well as fluoride.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: arginine toothpaste (COL 101) at 1.5%, 4.0%, or 8.0% arginine
What this could lead to: If effective, arginine toothpaste could offer a fluoride-free option for cavity prevention in children.
What could go wrong: This is a phase 2 trial, so results are preliminary. Arginine may not work as well as fluoride, and higher doses could cause side effects.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dental caries

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DENTAL CARIES

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Indiana University School of Dentistry

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202-2876, United States
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

Loma Linda, California, 92350, United States
The Forsyth Institute

Boston, Massachusetts, 02142, United States
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Boston, Massachusetts, 02111, United States
UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry

San Antonio, Texas, 78229-3900, United States
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine

Buffalo, New York, 14214, United States
University of Florida College of Dentistry

Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-6003, United States
University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine

San Juan, Puerto Rico

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