The Effect of 2-Methyl-1,4-Naphthoquinone on the Incidence of Dental Caries

Abstract

Since 2-methyl-l,4-naphthoquinone inhibits the enzymic degradation of fermentable sugars, this material might possibly be used for the control of dental caries if administered when carbohydrates would naturally be converted to acids with the subsequent production of dental caries. Synthetic vit. K was provided in the form of chewing gum, immediately after each ingestion of food, for a period of 18 mos. Each chewing gum pellet contained 0.75 mg. of synthetic vit. K. The number of new cavities, detd. clinically and by radiographic examination, was compared with suitable control groups. Dental caries was inhibited by 60-90%, depending upon the basis for comparison.