Clinical uses of an enzyme-containing dentifrice.

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.