Use of synthetic peptides in the prevention of oral diseases

Among the protective factors of mixed saliva, antimicrobial peptides have received much attention. They have broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities. Synthetic peptides are found in hygiene products, such as mouthwashes, sprays, and toothpastes. According to their manufacturers, the use of these products helps prevent oral bacterial infections.

Objective. To study the effect of toothpastes and mouth spray, which contain synthetic peptide complexes, on the physicochemical parameters of mixed saliva in order to substantiate their preventive antibacterial effect.

Material and methods. Mixed saliva from patients was examined before and after the use of the synthetic peptide-containing spray and toothpaste. The following salivary physicochemical parameters (pH, surface tension, and base buffer capacity) were measured.

Results. The peptide-containing spray and toothpaste caused changes in the oral fluid pH within the normal range, which assisted in maintaining oral homeostasis and in effectively exerting the functions of mixed saliva. When the spray or toothpaste was used, the base buffer capacity was slightly reduced, which suggested that the synthetic peptides were able to neutralize oral fluid acids and thereby to enhance the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial functions of mixed saliva. The surface tension of saliva was increased with the peptide-containing spray and that was decreased with the peptide-containing toothpaste. This effect indicated the active ability of the synthetic peptides to be absorbed into blood and to have a direct effect on cell metabolism at the site of lesion (when using the spray), as well as the ability of the complexes to integrate into the colloidal system of saliva, which enhanced its reparative and protective properties (when using the toothpaste).

Conclusion. The study shows an increase in the antibacterial effect of mixed saliva when using oral hygiene products containing peptides, which contributes to the prevention of risk factors for inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa and periodontium.