Abstract: In certain embodiments a dental strip for the prevention or reduction of dental caries is provided. In certain embodiments the dental strip is constructed to deliver effective amounts of specifically targeted antimicrobial peptides (or simple antimicrobial peptides) and comprises an orally compatible backing layer, a delivery layer disposed on one surface of the backing layer where the delivery layer comprises an orally compatible polymer, or combination of polymers, and a specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide (and/or simple antimicrobial peptide) capable of binding and killing Streptococcus mutans. In certain embodiments the dental strip additionally comprises a release liner.

Abstract: In various embodiments a dental varnish system having improved peptide release and fluoride release properties is provided. In various embodiments a dental varnish system that provides release of an antimicrobial peptide, or specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide (STAMP), e.g., the peptide C16G2, is provided, with or without a fluoride. In various embodiments, a dental varnish system that provides release of a fluoride, with or without an antimicrobial peptide or STAMP is provided. In certain embodiments the dental varnish system comprises a first component that is a dry powder, said first component comprising a an antimicrobial peptide, with or without a fluoride, and a bulking agent, and a second component that is a fluid, said second component comprising a varnish solution, where combination of said first component with said second component provides a varnish formulation for application to the surface of a tooth.

Abstract: In various embodiments a dental varnish system having improved peptide release and fluoride release properties is provided. In various embodiments a dental varnish system that provides release of an antimicrobial peptide, or specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide (STAMP), e.g., the peptide C16G2, is provided, with or without a fluoride. In various embodiments, a dental varnish system that provides release of a fluoride, with or without an antimicrobial peptide or STAMP is provided. In certain embodiments the dental varnish system comprises a first component that is a dry powder, said first component comprising a an antimicrobial peptide, with or without a fluoride, and a bulking agent, and a second component that is a fluid, said second component comprising a varnish solution, where combination of said first component with said second component provides a varnish formulation for application to the surface of a tooth.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a dental strip for the prevention or reduction of dental caries is provided. In certain embodiments the dental strip is constructed to deliver effective amounts of specifically targeted antimicrobial peptides (or simple antimicrobial peptides) and comprises an orally compatible backing layer, a delivery layer disposed on one surface of the backing layer where the delivery layer comprises an orally compatible polymer, or combination of polymers, and a specifically targeted antimicrobial peptide (and/or simple antimicrobial peptide) capable of binding and killing Streptococcus mutans. In certain embodiments the dental strip additionally comprises a release liner.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, novel targeting peptides that specifically/preferentially bind to S. mutans are provided. The targeting peptides can be attached to effectors (e.g., detectable labels, drugs, antimicrobial peptides, etc.) to form chimeric constructs for specifically/preferentially delivering the effector to and/or into the target organism. In certain embodiments the targeting peptides attached, e.g., to antimicrobial peptides can be used to selectively inhibit and/or kill S. mutans and, when used in the oral cavity of a mammal, can be effective to reduce the incidence and/or severity of dental caries and/or the incidence and/or severity of periodontal disease.