STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF METALLIC SALTS ON ACID PRODUCTION IN SALIVA. II

¹ Departments of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Va.

Data have been presented showing that when the mouth is washed and the teeth brushed with an aqueous solution of a copper or nickel salt, there is marked reduction in the amount of acid produced in saliva samples collected over the next few hours. This effect can be maintained over a 24-hour period if the brushing and washing are repeated after each meal and again shortly before retiring. Copper or nickel concentrations of 0.002 M apparently destroy the acidogenic organisms of saliva if they are exposed to it for as long as 24 hours.