Relationship Between Caries and Dental Plaque Composition

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between dental caries and the biochemical composition of dental plaque and to determine the effect of a 10% sucrose solution on the biochemical structure of dental plaque in children. Methods: 60 children grouped according to caries status took part in this study [Caries-free (CF), DMFS= 0, df-s= 0; Caries-positive (CP), DMFS > 10, df-s > 10]. Dental plaque samples were collected before (baseline) and at 3 and 30 minutes after a 1minute rinse with 10% sucrose. Fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), and inorganic phosphorus (Pi) levels were determined using ion chromatography, and insoluble polysaccharide (IEPS) concentrations were determined using colorimetric analysis. Results: Although the mean baseline Ca and Pi levels in plaque were higher in the CF group than in the CP group, these differences were not statistically significant. Baseline IEPS levels were significantly higher in the CP group than in the CF group. Following exposure to sucrose, plaque F, Ca and Pi concentrations decreased significantly in both groups. However, insoluble polysaccharide concentrations increased significantly in the CF group only.