Abstract: Capillary hollow fibers containing therein therapeutic and indicator agents and a method of employing such fibers, which method comprises placing the agent-filled, hollow capillary fibers into the oral cavity, and particularly about, adjacent or in contact with the teeth, at or about those areas where treatment of a dental disease is desired, or where indication of the presence of an oral or a dental disease is suspected, whereby such agent permeates from such capillary-hollow-fiber treatment into the localized area to treat the disease or to serve as an indication of dental disease in the area.

Abstract: Immunization of animals with preparations containing more purified forms of glucosyltransferase (GTF) results in the presence of antibody in saliva demonstrable by functional inhibitions of enzyme activity and binding of radioactive enzyme. Serum antibody was also present. Immunized groups of animals had lower mean caries scores than comparably sham-immunized or nonimmunized control groups. Local immunization with GTF of serotype c or g or a Streptococcus mutans reduces the colonization, caries, and lesions caused by infection with S. mutans of serotype g (strain 6715) or c, or with serotype g or c, or with serotype a or g, respectively.

Abstract: Mutant strains have been isolated from Streptococcus mutans strain BHT-2(str) which are characterized by a single point mutation in the structural gene for the enzyme, L(+) lactate dehydrogenase, this enzyme being normally responsible for lactic acid production by this bacterium. Streptococcus mutans is believed to be a principal pathogen in dental caries, a disease characterized by the dissolution of the mineral portion of the tooth caused by acid resulting from the interaction of bacteria on the tooth surface with carbohydrates. The mutant strains of the invention will be found useful as prototype nonvirulent effector strains in controlling the incidence and severity of dental caries.

Abstract: High-concentration fluoride containing preparations, particularly ammonium fluoride, in mouth rinses at a concentration of greater than 2000 ppm significantly inhibit caries, particularly by frequent; e.g., daily, use in connection with new, erupting teeth of children.