Abstract: An improved method of treating periodontitis includes the steps of: creating a formulation containing a lanthanide-containing protease inhibitor; and applying the formulation to a periodontal area. The lanthanide may be cerium chloride, samarium chloride, lutetium chloride, cerium chloride heptahydrate, lutetium chloride hexahydrate, samarium chloride hexahydrate, gadolinium, gadolinium nitrate, gadolinium chloride, gadolinium chloride hexahydrate and gadolinium nitrate hexahydrate. The invention also provides an improved method of reducing dentinal sensitivity, including the steps of: creating a formulation containing at least one of gadolinium and a gadolinium-containing compound; and applying the formulation to a sensitive dentinal area. The formulation may be a paste, a solution or a powder.

Abstract: Polypeptides related to fimbriae of Porphyromonas gingivalis are described and claimed which exhibit inhibition of bacterial adhesion to saliva-coated surfaces. The polypeptides are selected from the group consisting of fimbriae, fimbrillin, and fimbrial-related. peptides derived therefrom. The polypeptides are used as active ingredients in various oral formulations designed to prevent adhesion of P. gingivalis to host mucosal surfaces and thus interfering with the development of periodontitis. The polypeptides are also used in subunit vaccine formulations for use against pathogenic, fimbriated P. gingivalis in the prophylactic treatment of periodontitis. Use of the polypeptides for inducing protective immunity in serum and gingival crevicular fluid may prevent primary infection with P. gingivalis as well as the spread of the organism between intraoral reservoirs.