Journal of Dental Research, Vol 69, 1337-1342, Copyright © 1990 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
An assessment of recent advances in the study of the chemistry and biochemistry of dental plaque fluid
H. C. Margolis
Forsyth Dental Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
This paper discusses key points made during the symposium in the light of
work carried out in other laboratories. It is emphasized that the unique
importance of plaque fluid is that the net result of chemical changes
induced by microbial activity is reflected in this medium, which is in
intimate contact with the enamel surface, and that this medium is
accessible to chemical and biochemical analyses. However, in order to
assess the cariogenic potential of plaque, we must consider the properties
of both whole plaque and plaque fluid together. Although it is apparent
that results of plaque fluid composition are sensitive to both isolation
and the storage procedures utilized, plaque fluid appears to be a distinct
entity within the oral cavity. Technical advances have been made which
allow for the determination of the activity of selected ions (hydrogen,
calcium, phosphate, potassium, fluoride) in plaque fluid obtained from a
single site within the mouth. It appears, however, that such data alone may
be insufficient to define the cariogenic potential of plaque appropriately.
Evidence is presented from which it can be concluded that, with use of
pooled samples of plaque obtained from individuals with clear differences
in caries experience, results on plaque and plaque fluid composition can be
obtained which are consistent with noted differences in caries
susceptibility. The importance of base production is also discussed, and it
is noted that few studies have been carried out to elucidate the role of
proteins found in plaque fluid. In conclusion, recent advances in the study
of plaque fluid have provided new insights into the mechanism of caries
formation which are also germane to the formation of dental calculi.
