Effect of Enzyme-containing Lozenge on Dental Biofilm Formation, Composition and Functionality

Up to 50 subjects (aged ≥ 18 years old) with 3 or more active caries lesion, will be randomized to receive:

Phase 1: The effect of multiple-enzyme treatment on plaque accumulation in vivo

Phase 1 includes two experimental periods lasting for one day each, with a washout period of two weeks in between. Each experimental period will include two visits, at day 0 and day 1.

At day 0, the participants will receive a professional tooth cleaning and be randomized to receive Sequence 1 or Sequence 2 in a double-blind randomized cross-over design:

Sequence 1: 3 active enzyme-containing lozenges per day for one day (app. 24h) followed by a washout period of two weeks, followed by 3 identical placebo lozenges per day for one day (app. 24h).

Sequence 2: 3 placebo lozenges per day for one day (app. 24h) followed by a washout period of two weeks, followed by 3 identical active enzyme lozenges per day for one day (app. 24h).

The participants will be instructed to take one lozenge three times (morning, noon, evening) for one day. No normal oral hygiene procedures will be allowed during the intervention periods of one day. At the end of both experimental phases, plaque is assessed using planimetric recordings obtained with an intraoral camera and TM-QHPI to provide information on the individual level of plaque formation.

Phase 2: The effect of multiple-enzyme treatment on in situ-grown biofilms

The phase is designed in a double-blind randomized cross-over design, including two experimental periods lasting for 2 days, with a washout period of 5 days in between. Each experimental period will include two visits, on day 0 and day 2. Oral biofilms will be grown in situ on prefabricated non-fluorescent glass slabs for 48 hours. The glass slabs will be mounted on the individual lower-jaw splints.

At day 0, the participants will be randomized to receive Sequence 1 or Sequence 2:

Sequence 1: 3 active enzyme-containing lozenges per day for 2 days followed by a washout period of 5 days, followed by 3 identical placebo lozenges per day for 2 days.

Sequence 2: 3 placebo lozenges per day for 2 days followed by a washout period of 5 days, followed by 3 identical active enzyme lozenges per day for 2 days.

Oral biofilms will be grown in situ on prefabricated non-fluorescent glass slabs for 2-4 experimental periods of 48 hours. After each experimental period, the in situ-grown biofilms will be collected and stored in a research biobank.

Inclusion criteria

• Males and females ≥ 18 years old.
• Have three or more active carious lesions.
• Anatomically possible to manufacture an intraoral lower-jaw splint.
• Able to understand and follow instructions, as well as to read and sign the informed consent form.
• A plaque index score ≥ 2 according to the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TM-QHPI), following 8 to 12 hours plaque accumulation period.

Exclusion criteria

• History of allergies towards any of the ingredients in the test products
• Self-reported pregnant or nursing
• Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication within 90 days of the screening visit.
• Orthodontic appliances, including retainers, or removable partial dentures.
• Self-reported serious medical conditions