Objective: To investigate the effect of specific anti-streptococcus mutans IgY against streptococcus mutans on dental caries development in rats.
Methods: 35 wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: group A received IgY gargle; group B received IgY lyophilized powder; group C received sterilized water as control; group D and E received egg yolk food with or without specific IgY individually. They were all fed with caries-inducing diet 2000#. The number of caries scores was counted by the procedure of Keyes'.
Results: There was a significant lower mean of caries scores in groups treated with IgY lyophilized powder and gargle. By treating with egg-yolk food contained specific IgY, the mean of caries scores decreased comparing with no treatment group.
Conclusion: Local passive immunization with specific anti-streptococcus mutans IgY may be an effective way to prevent the development of dental caries.