The pH Difference That Matters
Stony Brook University study: BasicBites maintains neutral pH even after sugar exposure
In this in vitro study using mixed salivary sediment, researchers tested what happens to plaque pH after sugar exposure. With BasicBites, pH stayed neutral for 21 hours—protecting teeth from acid damage. Without BasicBites, pH plummeted to dangerously acidic levels where tooth enamel breaks down.
Patient Compliance Made Easy
Patients enjoy the chocolate and caramel flavors, making consistent use effortless.
- Simple Protocol: Two soft chews per day — after breakfast and again after bedtime brushing — integrate naturally into daily routines
- Health-Conscious: Only 15 calories per chew • Sugar-free • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
- Ideal For: Individuals with high caries risk, xerostomia, those seeking fluoride-free oral care products, or anyone seeking additional enamel support
The enamel-supporting microbiome technology behind BasicBites was pioneered by Dr. Israel Kleinberg, the Founding Chairman of the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine and widely regarded as the “grandfather of modern oral biology.” His research—years ahead of its time—fundamentally advanced the understanding of how specific oral bacteria naturally help maintain a healthier pH on tooth surfaces.
A Mixed-Bacterial, pH-Raising BreakthroughEarly saliva research identified arginine as a key contributor to saliva's natural alkalizing effect. Continued studies revealed that several commensal bacteria possess the arginine deiminase system (ADS) and can convert arginine into alkali. These include Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus parasanguinis, Streptococcus cristatus, and other ADS-positive, alkali-generating species.
By combining arginine with calcium and bicarbonate/carbonate anions, researchers developed a microbiome-inspired approach that works in harmony with the mouth’s natural defenses. This discovery led to a formulation designed to support natural pH-raising pathways and facilitate remineralization through coordinated prebiotic and postbiotic activity—now delivered through BasicBites soft chews. To bring this science to market, we formed a strategic alliance with the Research Foundation of the State University of New York, working alongside Stony Brook University researchers.
The BasicBites Prebiotic/Postbiotic Pathway
Microbiome-Inspired Approach: Arginine Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate
- Prebiotic Support: Arginine functions as a nutrient source that facilitates the natural pH-raising pathways of bacteria with the Arginine Deiminase System (ADS)—the specialized enzyme pathway that metabolizes arginine
- Postbiotic Alkali Generation: Through ADS metabolism, these bacteria convert arginine into ammonia (an alkali) that neutralizes plaque acids
- Immediate pH Support: This naturally generated alkali helps maintain a healthier pH at the tooth surface
- Microbial Balance: Consistent use supports bacteria associated with healthier pH conditions while helping limit the environment that favors acidogenic species
- Enhanced Remineralization: Calcium functions more effectively in a pH-balanced environment, supporting natural remineralization
- Enhanced Buffering: Carbonate and bicarbonate complement the mouth's intrinsic buffering system and promote conditions favorable for ongoing alkali production
- Support for Dentinal Sensitivity: The technology has been clinically shown to help occlude open dentinal tubules
- Microbiome-Friendly Strategy: Supports the oral ecosystem without killing bacteria or adding unproven live bacteria
- Targeted Delivery: A carefully formulated, mildly sticky soft chew helps hold nutrients against vulnerable tooth surfaces
Our Proprietary Arginine–Bicarbonate Complex
The Problem with Free Arginine: Unbuffered arginine can raise pH to excessively alkaline levels (10–12), making it ecologically disruptive, uncomfortable, and unstable in formulations.
The Solution: Bicarbonate Buffering: Forming arginine bicarbonate creates a stable, optimized complex that:
- Maintains pH within a physiologic range
- Prevents extreme alkalinity
- Supports ideal conditions for ADS-positive bacteria
- Enhances natural buffering — bicarbonate is the mouth's primary buffer
- Enables precise prebiotic and postbiotic activity
- Works synergistically with calcium carbonate to support enamel resilience
Technical Insights
- Caries Resistance Marker: High levels of salivary arginine are associated with caries resistance—BasicBites delivers this protective amino acid directly to tooth surfaces
- pH Elevation Even with Carbohydrates: Arginine metabolism has been shown to significantly increase plaque pH in vitro and in vivo, even in the presence of carbohydrates
- Pathogen Suppression: Arginine negatively impacts the growth, pathogenic potential, and environmental stress tolerance of S. mutans, compromising its ability to cause caries
- Microbiome Normalization: Arginine normalizes the oral microbiota of caries-active individuals, demonstrating a favorable ecological effect on the oral microbiome
- Independent Landmark Study: A 2025 study of 6,000 children showed 8% arginine dentifrice reduced caries by 26% more than fluoride toothpaste alone—validating arginine's mechanism
- Cross-Kingdom Biofilm Disruption: Recent laboratory studies indicate that Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans can work together to form more damaging, acid-producing biofilms—and that L-arginine can disrupt this partnership by reducing biofilm formation, weakening extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) structure, lowering acidity, and helping maintain pH in a healthier range
- Disrupts Biofilm Structure: Recent research reveals arginine reduces production of the sticky carbohydrate "glue" that holds biofilms together and makes them more virulent and acid-producing—a protective effect that works independently of pH buffering
- Blocks Colonization: Beneficial bacteria that use arginine physically occupy attachment sites on teeth, preventing S. mutans from establishing colonies
- Superior Calcium Activity: Calcium can be more effective than phosphate in inhibiting demineralization, as calcium release precedes phosphate during the demineralization process
- Enhanced Buffering: Bicarbonate and carbonate anions act as tooth-protecting buffers while providing a more favorable alkaline pH for arginine metabolism
basicbites
Chocolate 120 Count Package
basicbites
Caramel 120 Count Package
Order BasicBites
Patients can order directly • Professional discounts available
Product Details
- ✓ Each bag contains 120 chews
- ✓ Two-month supply
- ✓ Gluten-free
- ✓ Dairy-free
- ✓ No artificial flavors
- ✓ Sugar-free
- ✓ Only 15 calories per chew
Quantity Pricing
What Dental Professionals Say
"Harmful microbes thrive in an acidic environment. Chewing BasicBites twice a day boosts the oral pH to neutral and creates a hostile environment for the acid troublemakers."
"As a pediatric dentist, I love that I can recommend BasicBites as an after meal or snack option. With a blend of arginine bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, these powerhouse ingredients work together to support enamel health and maintain a pH-balanced mouth!"
"Not only are they seriously delicious, but they work! The cutting-edge science keeps the oral cavity's pH healthy while coating the teeth with tooth supporting nutrients that help keep your mouth happy and healthy!"
"Finally oral healthcare professionals have a way to improve saliva and nurture the growth of beneficial bacteria."
