Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the effect of specific anti_streptococcus mutansIgY againststreptococcus mutanson dental caries development in rats.Methods　35 wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: group A received IgY gargle; group B received IgY lyophilized powder; group C received sterilized water as control; group D and E received egg yolk food with orwith- out specific IgY individually. Theywere all fed with caries_inducing diet 2000#. The number of caries scoreswas counted by the procedure of Keyes′.Results　There was a significant lower mean of caries scores in groups treated with IgY lyophilized powder and gargle. Bytreatingwith egg_yolk food contained specific IgY, the mean of caries scores decreased comparingwith notreatment group.Conclusion　Local passive immunization with specific anti_streptococcus mutans IgY may be an effective way to prevent the development of dental caries.

Key words: caries, gnotobiotic rats, streptococcus mutans