Clinical uses of an enzyme‐containing dentifrice

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that the inclusion of certain enzymes in mouthrinses and dentifrices will reduce plaque and gingivitis scores. The enzymes that are most effective clinically have, as their active ingredients, amyloglucosidase and glucose oxidase. These produce hydrogen peroxide from dietary fermentable carbohydrates which in turn converts thiocyanate to hypothiocyanite in the presence of salivary lactoperoxidase. The resultant hypothiocyanite acts as a bacterial inhibitor by interfering with cell metabolism; thus, there is a reduction in plaque accumulation and therefore in gingival inflammation. Pilot studies have compared over a short period the action of the trial dentifrice with enzymes and fluoride at 1100 ppm, using as controls the paste without enzymes but with fluoride and a commercial fluoride paste. There was an expected reduction in all scores with all products due to the mechanical removal of plaque, but a significantly greater reduction in gingivitis was noted in the paste with enzymes. This study is of longer duration with many more subjects. Baseline data include plaque and gingival indices and Periotron readings for crevicular fluid. The trial is of a double-blind non-crossover study design using a split-mouth technique. One side of the mouth is given a prophylaxis and the subject given one of the 3 test pastes to use. Readings were repeated every 2 weeks for 3 months. The results show a significant reduction in gingivitis scores in the enzyme-containing dentifrice group.

Comparison of the effect of toothpastes containing enzymes or antimicrobial compounds with a conventional fluoride toothpaste on the development of plaque and gingivitis

“…For the enzyme system of amyloglucosidase and glucose oxidase the evi-dence for plaque inhibition is conflicting (review: Addy 1986). however several studies have failed to show effects on plaque (Afseth & Rolla 1983, Etemadzadeh et al 1985, even despite apparent effects on gingivitis (Midda & Cooksey 1986). Interestingly the enzyme toothpaste studied appears to have little or no antimicrobial activity in vitro or in vivo (Moran & Addy 1984, Moran et al 1988a, and presumably in part reflects the incorporation of a non-ionic detergent.…”

Effect of Heat Treatment on Bovine Lactoperoxidase Activity in Skim Milk: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis

“…In developing countries, the activation of the lactoperoxidase system has been used as a means to preserve milk from microbial proliferation (souring) during its collection and storage (Thakar and Dave 1986;Barraquio and others 1994). Furthermore, lactoperoxidase has been included in products related to dental hygiene to enhance the action of the natural enzyme present in saliva (Midda and Cooksey 1986).…”

Effects of SCN−/H2O2 combinations in dentifrices on plaque and gingivitis

“…An enhancement of the peroxidase system in vivo was demonstrated by adding small amounts of H 2 O 2 ‐generating enzymes to toothpastes or mouthrinses (Mansson‐Rahemtulla et al 1983, Lenander‐Lumikari et al 1993). This principle is the basis for a commer cially available toothpaste (Rotgans & Hoogendoorn 1979, Midda & Cooksey 1986). The clinical effects of that toothpaste have been controversial (Tenovuo et al 1991).…”