title: Effect of dextranase on plaque formation and caries development in the rat.
abstract: Plaque formation and caries development were studied in 0-M rats fed Diet 2000 and infected with S. mutans 6715 and fecal flora from older caries-active rats. Merck dextranase, Beckman dextranase or Beckman glucanase 447 were administered singly or in combination to groups of 12 rats either as an addition to the diet or as a "mouthwash" twice daily, 5 per week. All enzymes studied were associated with significant inhibition of both plaque formation and caries development, especially on the buccal and lingual surfaces.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000209:etiology*; D003910:Dextranase / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000187:drug effects; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D051381:Rats; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D009067:Mouthwashes; D003910:Dextranase