Effect of commercially available anti-streptococcus IgY containing tablet onStreptococcus mutans count in caries active children: In vivo study

Despite exhaustive research and advances in oral health sciences, dental caries still remains as one of the most prevalent afflictions in modern man, affecting humans of all ages, especially children where caries disease is on the rise.  Great strides have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of dental caries. Infection as a key component in the etiology of caries was uncovered around 110 years ago by Miller who made the link among microorganisms, dietary carbohydrates, and dental caries.

Although molecular, biological and cultural techniques have also implicated role of other bacteria in the process and extension of dental caries in, S mutanscontinues to be Enemy of teeth #1, especially for early childhood dental disease.  The infectious nature of dental caries imprecates the hypothesis that some form of host immunity can regulate caries activity.

Several attempts to develop successful vaccine against dental caries have been undertaken in the past three decades. However immunogenic antigens of Streptococcus mutans share epitopes with human IgG and cross react with human rheumatoid anti-IgG antibodies.  An immunological intervention for prevention of caries other than the vaccination is passive immunization. This has a considerable advantage as it completely avoids any risk that may arise from active immunization.

 Strategies include the development of antibodies to Mutans streptococcal antigens in cow’s milk and hen’s eggs and the genetic engineering of human-like S-IgA antibodies in plants. Successful passive immunization has been done in rats using orally administered hen yolk antibodies against Streptococcus mutans1 and topical anti- streptococcus mutans IgY gel.

 Studies on human volunteers have demonstrated reduction in Streptococcus mutans count when mouth-rinse containing IgY against S. mutans whole cell antigen and cell associated glucosyl transferase enzyme was used. Tooth paste incorporated with anti S. mutansIgY was found to be effective in reducing caries in deciduous teeth in human volunteers .

Recently chewable tablets containing IgY against Streptococcus mutans have been launched by the trade name of NoDecayâ„¢ (Inzpera Healthsciences Limited). The tablet contains Egg Yolk protein powder (Delipidated), Mannitol, Maltitol, Xylitol, cross carmellose sodium, peppermint, orange flavour, microcrystalline cellulose, steviol glycoside, magnesium stearate, talc and colour. The tablets have been recommended for children above 5 years of age and to be used twice daily.

The present study is undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of NoDecayâ„¢ tablet on percentage reduction in Streptococcus mutans count in caries active children.