Abstract: This invention relates to the PrtR-PrtK cell surface protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis in particular a multimeric cell associated protein complex comprising the PrtR and PrtK proteins. There is provided a substantially purified antigenic complex for use in raising an antibody response directed against Porphyromonas gingivalis. The complex comprises at least one multimeric protein complex of arginine-specific and lysine-specific thiol endopeptidases each containing at least one adhesin domain. The complex has a molecular weight of greater than about 200 kDa. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and associated agents based on said complex for the detection, prevention and treatment of Periodontal disease associated with P. gingivalis.

Abstract: An oral composition for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity containing a dentinal hypersensitivity reducing or relieving amount of an active compound selected from casein, a component of casein, a phosphoprotein and a phosphopeptide, or salts thereof containing the amino acyl residues --Ser (P) --Ser (P) --Ser (P) --where Ser (P) is phosphoserine.

Abstract: A dentifrice composition useful in inhibiting caries and ginivitis comprising a caries and gingivitis inhibiting amount of a material selected from the group consisting of a water soluble salt of a whole caseinate, a water soluble salt of alpha.sub.s -caseinate, a water soluble salt of beta-casinate and a digest of a whole caseinate, alpha.sub.s -caseinate or beta-caseinate and mixtures thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A phosphopeptide or a salt thereof the phosphopeptide having from 5 to 30 amino acids including the sequenceA-B-C-D-Ewhere A, B, C, D and E are independently phosphoserine, phosphothreonine, phosphotyrosine, phosphohistidine, glutamate and aspartate and compositions particularly compositions to teeth including same.