Abstract
Mutanase and dextranase were shown to prevent the formation and the progress of experimental dental caries in golden hamsters.
Mutanase and dextranase were prepared from a Pseudomonas sp. and Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, respectively, which were isolated from soil in this laboratory. Both enzymes were given to hamsters with Diet 2000 and drinking water.
Either mutanase or dextranase prevented the caries formation when given immediately after infection with Streptococcus mutans OMZ 176 and daily thereafter. An especially, the pronounced effect was obtained when mutanase and dextranase were given together.
Furthermore, each of these enzymes had a dose dependent effect on prevention of dental caries.
Mutanase and dextranase inhibited the progress of the caries formation even when given after the caries had already formed. The progress of caries was not only delayed but also blocked in a group given both enzymes together.
These results suggest that the administration of both enzymes together may be more effective in the prevention and inhibition of dental caries.
