Tartarase

**Tartarase** is a proprietary enzyme-based dentifrice developed by **Pontis Biologics** for topical removal of pre-existing dental calculus. The formulation is designed to enzymatically destabilize the organic structural matrix of calculus rather than mechanically abrade it. Publicly described formulations include a deoxyribonuclease activity that cleaves extracellular DNA and a chymotrypsin protease activity that degrades proteinaceous material; Pontis patent disclosures also describe glycoprotein-carbohydrate cleavage as a potential complementary mechanism. In a completed 4-week proof-of-principle randomized clinical study, Tartarase was evaluated against Crest toothpaste using the Volpe-Manhold Index for calculus reduction.

Brand names

Tartarase