[Association of the degree of saturation with respect to enamel in plaque fluid with caries activity].

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate changes of the degree of saturation with respect to enamel in plaque fluid by sucrose rinse, and their association with caries activity. Three groups of subjects were selected by their caries status caries free, caries positive and caries active. Plaque samples were collected before, 3 and 7 minutes after a one-minute 5% sucrose rinse. Plaque fluids were isolated and analyzed for organic acids (capillary electrophoresis), inorganic ions (ion exchange chromatography), calcium activity and pH (selective electrodes). The degrees of saturation (DS) were calculated based on the total composition or calcium activity. The results showed that there were significantly more pH drops, and particularly more DS drops within caries active group after a sucrose rinse, compared with caries free and positive groups. This suggests that the degree of saturation is a much sensitive index to describe the cariogenetic status of individuals.