Effect of dextranase on plaque formation and caries development in the rat.

Plaque formation and caries development were studied in 0-M rats fed Diet 2000 and infected with S. mutans 6715 and fecal flora from older caries-active rats. Merck dextranase, Beckman dextranase or Beckman glucanase 447 were administered singly or in combination to groups of 12 rats either as an addition to the diet or as a "mouthwash" twice daily, 5 per week. All enzymes studied were associated with significant inhibition of both plaque formation and caries development, especially on the buccal and lingual surfaces.

Clinical study of an amine fluoride gel and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel.

This study compared caries inhibition in children by an amine fluoride and an acidulated phosphate fluoride when administered in a topically applied gel. In addition, the effects of applying amine fluoride daily and weekly were compared. Four hundred and sixty-eight children, ages 6 to 13, were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups and received a total of five, 5-minute treatments. The treatment and interval between each of the five treatments were as follows:(A)acidulated phosphate fluoride daily, (B) amine fluoride daily, (C) amine fluoride weekly, (D) placebo daily, and (E) placebo weekly. When the children were examined for total Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces (DMFS) increments 2 years later, no significant differences were observed. However, when the data were examined for effects of DMFS for specific tooth surface, significant restriction (61%) of occlusal increment was shown in the group which was treated with amine fluoride daily for 5 consecutive days as compared with the control group.