Journal of Dental Research, Vol 69, 442-446, Copyright © 1990 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Sorbitol adaptation of dental plaque in people with low and normal salivary-secretion rates
S. Kalfas, G. Svensater, D. Birkhed and S. Edwardsson
Department of Oral Microbiology, University of Lund, School of Dentistry, Malmo, Sweden.
Caries-related bacteriological and biochemical factors were studied in 12
persons with low and 11 persons with normal salivary-secretion rates before
and after a four-week period of frequent mouthrinses with 10% sorbitol
solution (adaptation period). After the adaptation period, an increase in
total numbers of sorbitol-fermenting bacteria and mutans streptococci was
found in plaque samples from both groups. The pH drop in dental plaque in
situ after a mouthrinse with sorbitol was more pronounced after the
adaptation period, especially in the group with the low salivary-secretion
rate. Increased acid production in plaque from sorbitol was also observed
in the two groups in vitro. The composition of the fermentation
end-products was affected by the sorbitol exposure. It is suggested that in
subjects with diminished natural protection against caries development,
such as patients with low salivary-secretion rate, a cariogenic potential
of sorbitol should be considered when this polyol is included in products
that might be used frequently.
