Future control of dental disease by immunization: vaccines and oral health

The current status of vaccines against dental caries indicates that the present preparations are effective in animals and should be used in clinical trials to determine their effectiveness as an alternative to present methods of control. It is concluded that caries vaccination is a potentially valuable addition to fluoridation and dietary restriction. In regard to periodontal diseases, it is concluded that the present status of the microbial aspects of the disease are not sufficiently clear to allow vaccines, either mono-species or multi-species to be made. It must also be remembered that we do not yet know whether the immune response is damaging or protective in these diseases. Finally, a hypothesis is advanced to suggest that the IgG and IgA systems may synergize and thus protect against plaque bacteria.