Dextranase is a carbohydrate-cutting enzyme that targets dextran—branched α-1,6-linked glucans that make oral biofilm (“dental plaque”) sticky and sugar-processing streams viscous. By snipping these links, dextranase helps loosen plaque and reduces processing problems caused by microbial dextran in sugarcane and sugar beet industries. In oral care, it is investigated as a non-biocidal adjunct to toothbrushing and flossing, with early clinical work and newer lab studies showing it can curb plaque build-up and assist other agents. In industry, it is a routine process aid when dextran levels spike. This guide explains how dextranase works, where it’s used, what the evidence shows, how products are typically applied, and who should avoid it. We also outline realistic expectations: enzymes are helpful tools, not magic bullets, and their benefits depend on the formula, dose, and how you use them.
Quick Dextranase Highlights
- Targets α-1,6-glucans in dental plaque to reduce adhesion and make biofilm easier to remove.
- Clinical mouthrinse protocols have used ~1 U/mL; 20 mL for 30 s, twice daily.
- Generally well-tolerated topically; avoid if you have known enzyme allergies or asthma.
- Not a stand-alone “cavity cure”; use as an adjunct to brushing, flossing, and fluoride.
Table of Contents
- What is dextranase and how it works
- Does dextranase reduce dental plaque
- Real world uses beyond oral care
- How to use and typical dosing
- Safety side effects and who should avoid
- What the evidence shows today
What is dextranase and how it works
Dextranase is a glycoside hydrolase that cleaves the α-1,6 glycosidic bonds of dextran, a branched polysaccharide produced by several bacteria from sucrose. In the mouth, species such as Streptococcus mutans use glucosyltransferases to create extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that glue cells to enamel and to each other. These EPS are rich in α-1,6-linked dextran; when dextranase cuts those linkages, the matrix loses integrity. Practically, that means plaque becomes less cohesive and easier to dislodge with brushing, flossing, or professional cleaning. Because the enzyme targets a structural polymer rather than killing bacteria outright, it is often described as a non-biocidal or “anti-biofilm” strategy.
Dextranases occur in different enzyme families (notably GH49 and GH66), with variations in pH and temperature optima and in how they handle α-1,3 branches. Most oral-care-oriented preparations are active near neutral pH and body temperature, aligning with saliva. Industrial forms may be tuned for hotter, more concentrated (“higher Brix”) sugar streams. Activity is measured in Units (U), typically defined as the amount of enzyme that releases 1 µmol of reducing sugar per minute under specified assay conditions. Labels sometimes report activity per gram or per milliliter (U/g or U/mL), which is more useful than weight-based dosing because enzyme potency depends on activity, not mass.
Sources include fungi (for example, Penicillium, Chaetomium/Collariella), bacteria (e.g., Arthrobacter), and marine isolates. Food-enzyme safety assessments describe manufacturing by controlled fermentation, purification, and formulation. For oral-care products, manufacturers often stabilize dextranase using encapsulation or protective carriers to maintain activity in toothpaste or mouthrinse bases that would otherwise degrade proteins over shelf life.
What dextranase does not do is remineralize enamel or replace fluoride; it does not treat cavities. Its role is to weaken plaque’s glue so mechanical cleaning and standard preventive agents can work better. In industry, the same bond-cutting logic applies but to a different problem: bacterial dextran makes juice viscous and sticky, fouls equipment, and reduces yield; dextranase cuts it down to smaller oligosaccharides, restoring flow.
Does dextranase reduce dental plaque
Two questions matter to consumers: does dextranase actually reduce plaque in people, and how strong is the evidence? A six-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults compared a dextranase mouthwash (1 U/mL) with 0.12 % chlorhexidine and with placebo, used twice daily after toothbrushing. The dextranase group showed the smallest increase in plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation across the study period, while reporting fewer taste disturbances and less tongue coating than chlorhexidine. That trial suggested enzyme-based plaque control can be a reasonable adjunct over months of use, with a milder side-effect profile than antiseptics known to cause staining.
Since then, a wave of mechanistic and in vitro work has mapped how dextranase destabilizes cariogenic biofilms. Systematic evidence syntheses focused on enzymes that break the biofilm matrix (mutanase and dextranase) conclude that these enzymes can inhibit biofilm formation and, to a lesser extent, remove established biofilms in laboratory models. The inhibition effect tends to be larger than removal, which fits what dentists see clinically: prevention is easier than reversal, and biofilm is tougher once mature. Importantly, much of the modern literature uses simplified models (single or few species) and treatment times of 30 minutes or more—longer than a realistic home rinse. That’s a limitation when translating lab findings to daily routines.
Newer formulation studies are practical: encapsulating dextranase in alginate or other carriers can preserve activity in toothpaste for several months, and pilot mouthrinses containing enzyme blends have reported short-term plaque reductions in situ. Researchers have also explored synergy—pairing dextranase with mutanase (targets α-1,3-linkages) or with antimicrobial agents. Because plaque EPS is chemically heterogeneous, a two-enzyme approach can make sense: mutanase loosens the brittle α-1,3 “scaffold,” while dextranase cuts the more flexible α-1,6 chains, together reducing cohesion. Early lab studies also suggest dextranase can improve penetration of nanoparticles or actives through biofilm, a concept being explored for targeted delivery.
Bottom line: in people, one controlled trial supports dextranase mouthrinse as a helpful adjunct to brushing, and newer pilot data and lab studies support the mechanism. Expectations should be realistic—enzymes are not a substitute for mechanical cleaning or fluoride—but they can make biofilm less tenacious and daily hygiene a bit more effective.
Real world uses beyond oral care
Dextranase has long been a workhorse in sugar processing. When harvested cane or beets deteriorate, contaminant bacteria convert sucrose to dextran. That single change triggers outsized problems: viscosity rises, filtration slows, heat transfer drops, and yields fall. Many factories now treat affected juice streams with dextranase as a routine corrective measure. The enzyme breaks high-molecular-weight dextran into shorter fragments, restoring flow and reducing downstream fouling. Selecting the right preparation and addition point matters: fungal dextranases often perform best in low-Brix, lower-temperature extraction juice, while specially engineered or thermotolerant enzymes are chosen for hotter, more concentrated syrups. Dosing is specified in activity Units per ton of juice and is validated on-site with dextran assays and process KPIs (viscosity, filterability, polarization).
Beyond sugar, dextranase is used in research and biotechnology to tailor dextran size distributions, generate isomaltooligosaccharides, and prepare samples for analysis where dextran interference is a problem. Marine and bacterial dextranases with unusual temperature or salt tolerance are being studied for niche applications. In medicine, dextranase itself is not a therapeutic drug; however, it features in lab workflows and in experimental strategies aimed at disrupting biofilms on medical materials. In oral health, dextranase appears in some enzyme-based toothpastes and mouthrinses in select markets, typically framed as a plaque-softening adjunct. Formulations vary: some combine dextranase with mutanase or other enzymes, while others pair enzymes with standard actives such as fluoride or zinc.
A practical note for buyers: unlike fluoride, enzyme activity is not always standardized on consumer labels. If you’re considering an “enzyme toothpaste” or rinse, look for disclosures about enzyme type and stability (for example, encapsulated enzymes, stated Units per gram or milliliter), and choose products from manufacturers who provide technical data and safety documentation. For dentists and hygienists, enzymes can be positioned as an adjunct for patients who struggle with plaque retention—orthodontic brackets, exposed root surfaces, reduced dexterity—while emphasizing that mechanical plaque control remains foundational.
How to use and typical dosing
Because dextranase is an enzyme, “dose” is about activity at the surface where plaque forms. Two variables matter most: the enzyme Units delivered to the plaque and the contact time before the enzyme is diluted or swallowed. Here’s how that translates across common formats.
Mouthrinses
A long-duration human study used a dextranase mouthwash at ~1 U/mL, 20 mL per rinse for 30 seconds, twice daily after brushing. That equates to roughly 20 Units contacting the oral surfaces per use, for a half-minute contact time. If your product provides instructions, follow them exactly. Swish thoroughly to expose interproximal and gingival areas, and avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes afterward to extend contact with softened plaque.
Toothpastes
Enzymes in toothpaste must survive storage and rapidly activate in saliva. Encapsulation (e.g., alginate beads) and compatible bases help maintain activity for months. In practice, apply a pea-sized amount (~1 g) and brush for 2 minutes. Focus on technique: gentle, thorough strokes along the gumline dislodge enzyme-softened biofilm. Rinse minimally or spit without heavy rinsing if your dentist recommends retaining active ingredients longer. Because activity can differ by brand, compare labels for enzyme Units per gram when available.
Combinations and synergy
Combining dextranase with mutanase can broaden EPS breakdown, and pairing enzymes with proven actives (fluoride, xylitol, zinc) can provide complementary benefits. Adhere to directions when multiple actives are present, as some ingredients require specific pH or contact times.
Who might consider enzyme products
- Orthodontic patients, implant and prosthesis wearers, or those with reduced dexterity.
- High-risk caries patients under professional guidance, as an adjunct—not a replacement—for fluoride and interdental cleaning.
- People who experience staining or taste disturbance with antiseptic rinses and want a gentler alternative.
What not to expect
- Enzymes will not “heal” cavities or replace mechanical cleaning.
- Benefits depend on daily use and technique; skipping brushing cancels any advantage.
- If you have a known enzyme allergy or asthma triggered by occupational enzyme exposure, avoid enzyme-containing oral products unless cleared by a clinician.
For industrial readers: dosing is specified by activity per ton of juice or syrup, adjusted for Brix, temperature, pH, and residence time. Vendors provide application curves and on-site optimization support; follow your supplier’s technical sheet, validate with in-line dextran tests, and track impacts on viscosity, filterability, and yield.
Safety side effects and who should avoid
Topical oral-care use. Enzyme mouthrinses and toothpastes featuring dextranase have generally been well-tolerated in short and medium-term studies. In the clinical trial comparing dextranase rinse with chlorhexidine, participants in the enzyme group reported fewer taste disturbances and less tongue coating, and tooth staining was milder than with chlorhexidine. As with any oral product, mild, transient sensitivity or mucosal irritation can occur—stop use and consult a professional if irritation persists.
Food-enzyme safety. Independent safety evaluations of dextranase produced for food processing (e.g., from non-genetically modified fungal strains) concluded that expected dietary exposure from its intended uses is below safety thresholds, with no genotoxic concerns under test conditions. These assessments support the general safety of properly manufactured dextranase as a processing aid, though they don’t substitute for clinical safety data in every consumer formulation.
Allergy and sensitization. As with other industrial enzymes (e.g., proteases in detergents), inhalation exposure can sensitize workers and trigger asthma. This is primarily an occupational risk during handling of enzyme powders or concentrates. Consumer toothpastes and rinses use diluted, often encapsulated forms and are used orally, not inhaled, which reduces risk; however, anyone with a known enzyme allergy or past occupational sensitization should avoid enzyme-containing products or seek medical guidance before use.
Special populations. There is limited pregnancy and breastfeeding-specific data for topical oral enzyme products; the theoretical systemic exposure from normal use is extremely low, but prudence suggests using only as directed and prioritizing products with clear safety documentation. For children, standard age-appropriate toothpaste rules apply: supervise brushing to minimize swallowing and use pea-sized amounts. People with active oral ulcers, recent oral surgery, or severe mucosal disease should defer nonessential products until tissues heal or a clinician advises otherwise.
Drug and ingredient interactions. Enzymes can be denatured by extreme pH and certain surfactants or preservatives. Reputable manufacturers design around these issues, but if you “mix and match” products (for example, using a strong antiseptic immediately after an enzyme rinse), you may reduce enzyme activity. Follow product instructions and ask your dental professional about sequencing.
If you experience wheezing, hives, swelling, or other signs of an allergic reaction after starting an enzyme product, discontinue immediately and seek care. For industrial users, follow supplier Safety Data Sheets (SDS), use engineering controls, and wear appropriate PPE to prevent inhalation and skin exposure.
What the evidence shows today
Evidence quality varies by question. For “does dextranase help reduce plaque in people,” the evidence consists of an older but well-designed, six-month randomized trial showing benefit versus placebo and comparable outcomes to chlorhexidine with fewer sensory side effects. That’s encouraging, but modern, large randomized trials using current formulations and real-world protocols (short contact times, diverse populations) are still needed.
For “does dextranase disrupt cariogenic biofilm,” the evidence is strong in vitro. Systematic reviews conclude that dextranase—and particularly dextranase combined with mutanase—can inhibit biofilm formation and help dismantle established matrices in lab models. Translating those findings to daily home care requires accounting for shorter contact times, the complexity of human plaque, and the protective effect of saliva and pellicle. Real-world efficacy likely depends on formulation design (enzyme stabilization, pH, surfactants), dose delivered (Units per use), contact time, and how consistently people brush and rinse.
On safety, food-enzyme evaluations and long experience in sugar processing support the safety of properly manufactured dextranase used as intended. Occupational sensitization is a recognized risk when handling enzyme powders; consumer exposure routes differ and risks are lower, but allergies can occur.
For industry, the evidence base is extensive in practice: dextranase is widely used to rescue deteriorated cane or beet streams, with measurable benefits on viscosity and throughput when applied correctly. Research continues to improve thermostability, tailor substrate specificity, and generate useful hydrolysates (e.g., isomaltooligosaccharides) with potential prebiotic functions.
What to watch next: better human trials comparing enzyme-based oral care with standard actives; optimized enzyme blends and delivery systems that work within realistic brushing and rinsing times; and hybrid approaches where enzymes enhance penetration or performance of other agents. If you’re a consumer, anchor your routine in brushing, interdental cleaning, and fluoride; consider enzyme products as a supportive add-on. If you’re in industry, collaborate closely with suppliers to match enzyme choice and dosing to your process conditions and to verify gains with in-line metrics.
References
- A Clinical Trial of Dextranase-Containing Mouthwash on the Inhibition of Plaque Formation and Gingivitis 2001 (RCT)
- Safety evaluation of the food enzyme dextranase from Collariella gracilis strain ATCC‐16153 2020 (Guideline)
- Effect of mutanase and dextranase on biofilms of cariogenic bacteria: a systematic review of in vitro studies 2024 (Systematic Review)
- Anti-Streptococcus mutans and anti-biofilm activities of dextranase and its encapsulation in alginate beads for application in toothpaste 2020 (In vitro/Formulation)
- Dextranase in sugar industry: A review 2009 (Review)
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about dextranase for education and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your dentist, physician, or qualified health provider with any questions you may have about a medical or oral-health condition or before starting a new product or routine.
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