Oral composition containing interferon-α
The present invention provides oral compositions which contain interferon α (IFNα) as an active ingredient for preventing and/or treating periodontal disease. The number of causative microorganisms of periodontal disease can be suppressed by administering the compositions into the oral cavity. IFNα of the present invention can produce a sufficient effect even when administered at a very low dose. Furthermore, the compositions of the present invention can also be readily administered to animals such as dogs by formulating them into feed or such.
1. A method for treating periodontal disease in a dog, wherein said method comprises the step of administering interferon α at 0.25 to 25 Laboratory Unit (LU)/day/kg body weight and a maltose paste carrier on gingiva of the dog, which comprises administering interferon α once a day for at least 5 consecutive days.
2. The method of claim 1 , which comprises administering interferon α once a day for at least 7 consecutive days.
3. The method of claim 1 , which comprises administering interferon α once a day for 5 to 30 consecutive days.