Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dental caries belong to a disease which has a complex etiology. Individual preventive measures are not adequate enough to control the disease especially in children with high caries experience The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of tooth paste containing enzymes and proteins in inhibiting plaque re-growth when compared to fluoride tooth paste in children with high caries experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 15 plaque samples are collected from 15 subjects in the age group of 5-7 years with High caries experience. The participants were asked to fast overnight for 12 h. On the day of the study, the participants were asked to report without brushing. Pre brushing pooled plaque was collected from buccal and palatal/lingual surfaces of maxillary and mandibular teeth and transferred to chilled Eppendorf tubes. Samples were divided into two groups; according to the test toothpaste used; Zendium toothpaste and Colgate cavity protection along with controls. Inhibition of plaque re-growth is assessed by comparing optical density using a spectrophotometer at intervals between 0-8 hours. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that toothpaste containing enzymes and proteins can significantly inhibit plaque growth when compared to normal toothpaste (p<0.05) in children with high caries experience. CONCLUSIONS: Toothpaste containing enzymes and proteins can augment natural salivary defenses and control plaque re-growth which plays a major role in dental caries formation. Key words:Enzymes, proteins, toothpaste, children, caries, dental plaque.