The effect of the dentifrice containing Chaetomium gracile dextranase on the reduction of dental plaque was examined and its effect was analyzed using the time series analysis of variance.
Thirty male subjects and 54 female dental hygienists who aged 20 to 50 were divided into 2 groups. Each groups used dextranase (2000 units/g) and placebo dentifrices for 2 weeks.
In dextranase dentifrice group reduction rates of dental plaque were 66.6 and 74.3 per cent after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. And in placebo dentifrice group they were 42.2 and 50.7 per cent, respectively. The time series analysis of variance indicated statistically significant (p<0.012) difference between 2 groups. These results suggested that dextranase dentifrice was also effective for dental hygienists and its effect was additive to that of tooth brushing.
During the experimental period no one complained bad condition of mouth and any specific change of mucosa could not be observed.