A dentifrice containing salivary enzymes and xylitol exhibits superior antimicrobial activity in vitro against adherent Streptococcus mutans compared to a chlorhexidine dentifrice.

Human saliva contains natural antimicrobial enzymes. In this in vitro study, we evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a dentifrice containing a salivary enzyme complex (SEC) with xylitol versus a standard 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) dentifrice. Adherent cells of Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp polymorphum and Corynebacterium matruchotii were exposed to SEC-xylitol and CHX dentifrices for 2 mins and viable CFUs were enumerated. Exposure to the SEC-xylitol dentifrice resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial viability, which was greater than that shown by the CHX dentifrice, against all organisms tested. The SEC-xylitol dentifrice also exhibited greater antimicrobial activity against all organsims in well diffusion assays compared to CHX. Dentifrice activity was also evaluated against a three species community of Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mutans and Corynebacterium matruchotii using bacterial live/dead stain. The SEC-xylitol dentifrice was at least as effective as CHX in removal of the multispecies community. The combination of SEC and xylitol generates a highly effective antimicrobial dentifrice with greater anti-bacterial activity than a standard 0.12% CHX formulations. SEC and xylitol combinations are worthy of further investigation for routine use and in the management of gingivitis and periodontal disease.