3. The third mechanism may be the antienzymatic
actions of the reaction products between Ag(NH3)2F
and organic component of the tooth. Its antibacterial
properties arise from inhibition of the enzyme
activities and dextran-induced agglutination of
cariogenic strains of Streptococcus mutans.[40]
Sunada et al.[41] found that dentin, which had been
treated with Ag(NH3)2OH by ionophoresis increased
in resistance to trypsin. They stated that it-might be
owing to reaction of Ag and organic component of
dentin. Yanagida et al.[42] showed that dentin protein
treated with Ag(NH3)2F had increased in resistance
to collagenase and trypsin. These actions of Ag andAg(NH3)2F to organic component of the tooth may
also be contribute to inhibit caries