Effect of Immunoglobulin Y Tablets on Streptococcus Mutans Counts in Adolescents: An in vivo Study

Abstract

Objectives: Streptococcus mutans has been most intimately associated with the initiation and development of carious lesion. Nowadays, the treatment strategies are aimed at either elimination of this bacterium or suppression of its virulence. The search for more efficient and economical techniques, has led to growing interest for the use of egg yolk antibodies (Immunoglobulin Y). This study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological effect of Ig Y tablets on salivary Streptococcus mutans count in adolescents. Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 50 adolescents (12–18 years old) were divided into two groups. Group I adolescents were instructed to use fluoridated toothpaste and Group II were instructed to administer S. Mutans specific Immunoglobulin Y chewable tablets for a period of 15 days along with the fluoridated toothpaste. Results: The findings of this research demonstrated that the tablets containing specific egg yolk antibodies (IgY) against glucosyltransferase of S. mutans exerted a suppressive effect on S. mutans colonization of the oral cavity in healthy adolescents. Conclusion: These findings indicate that using IgY in the form of tablets is a novel approach and has the advantage of releasing antibodies slowly into the oral cavity. It is thus effective in decreasing the colonization of the S. mutans, and lowering the induction of dental caries.