The Effect of Sugar Solutions on pH of Dental Plaques from Caries-susceptible and Caries-free Individuals

¹ College of Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

In a series of experiments using caries-susceptible and caries-free individuals, the pH of dental plaque removed from the mouth was determined before and after an oral rinse with sugar solutions. The pH decreased following the rinse. The difference in pH levels in the plaques of caries-susceptible individuals generally was from 0.1 to 0.2 unit less than in the plaques of caries-free individuals. Thirty minutes after the rinse, the pH of the plaques started to rise and gradually approached the original level. The length of the period of time without brushing preceding the pH determinations did not markedly affect the pH reading either before or after the sugar rinse.