Effect of Lactoperoxidase System Containing Toothpaste on Cariogenic Bacteria in Children with Early Childhood Caries

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lactoperoxidase system contains Lactoperoxidase, Hydrogen peroxide and Thiocyanate ions, which have inhibitory action against cariogenic oral microflora. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of lactoperoxidase system containing toothpaste on cariogenic microflora in children with early childhood caries. Methods: Study group included 30 children with Early Childhood Caries. 15 were considered as test group who used the test product Biotene® toothpaste and other 15 as control group who used Colgate Active® as control product. Salivary samples were analyzed for mutans streptococci (MS) and Lactobacilli, and for the levels of Thiocyanate ions. Results: showed significant increase in the levels of Thiocyanate ion in saliva during experimental period. Compared to the control group test group showed significant increase in the levels of thiocyanate ions during experimental and washout period, whereas the number of colonies of MS and Lactobacilli were significantly reduced in test group during experimental period. Conclusion: The levels of thiocyanate ions can be increased in vivo by supplementing the saliva with natural enzymes like lactoperoxidase. This increased concentration of thiocyanate will reduce the number of cariogenic microflora in children with Early Childhood Caries.

In vitro antimicrobial effects of commercially available mouth‐wetting agents

“…In our study, antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and L. acidophilus was observed only with Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse and BioXtra gel, but no anti‐candidal effect was observed with any of our test materials. Both saliva substitutes contained peroxidase enzymes that may have antimicrobial effects on several microorganisms, including mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, fungi, and some viruses 2,31,32 . The function of sialoperoxidase (lactoperoxidase) in saliva has been reported at physiologic concentrations and with cofactors commonly found in saliva 25 .…”

THIOCYANATE: A potentially useful therapeutic agent with host defense and antioxidant properties

“…This constant source of HOSCN has been reported to inhibit acid production by glucose-stimulated plaque [40] and reduce growth of periodontopathic bacteria [41]. The LPO-SCN-glucose oxidase (GOX)-containing toothpaste Biotène has been reported to significantly increase SCN and reduce cariogenic bacteria load in 3–5-year olds treated for caries after 4 weeks of brushing compared to controls [42]. The commensal bacteria Streptococcus sanguinis , which is a normal component of the healthy human oral cavity flora, is among the strains of Streptococcus that have developed high expression of NADH-hypothiocyanite oxidoreductase that reduces OSCN − back to SCN.…”

Whey-ing up the options – Yesterday, today and tomorrow

“…The mechanism behind the anti-microbial action of lactoperoxidase 476 has been established and forms the basis of applications for this bioactive whey protein (Boots & Floris, 2006;Kussendrager & van Hooijdonk, 2000). In particular, commercial quantities of 478 lactoperoxidase have allowed for this protein to be used in a range of oral healthcare products (Boots & Floris, 2006;Jyoti et al, 2009). Clinical trials have shown that lactoperoxidase is 480 efficacious in inhibiting bacteria associated with gingivitis, reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of gums, and reducing halitosis (Boots & Floris, 2006;Tenovuo, 2002).…”

“…The anti-microbial properties of lactoperoxidase have also been exploited in toothpaste for young children so as to avoid the toxicity of fluoride prior to children learning not to swallow 484 fluoride-containing toothpastes (Jyoti et al, 2009). …”