Role of Saliva in Caries
Saliva and Dental Caries
M. Lenander-Lumikari*. V. Loimaranta
Department of Cariology and Turku Immunology Centre, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Lemminkaisenkatu 2, FIN - 20520 Turku, Finland, Corresponding author, marlen@utu.fi Adv Dent Res 14:40-47, December, 2000
Abstract - Caries is a unique multifactorial infectious disease. Our understanding of etiological factors, the progress of the disease, and the effectiveness of prophylactic procedures have led us to believe that we understand the disease. However, we still have too few answers to many questions: "Why can we not predict who will get the disease?" "Why do we not become immunized?" "How much saliva is enough?" or "Which salivary components are protective?" and "Which salivary components predispose for caries?" It is generally accepted, however, that saliva secretion and salivary components secreted in saliva are important for dental health. The final result, "caries to be or not to be", is a complex phenomenon involving internal defense factors, such as saliva, tooth surface morphology, general health, and nutritional and hormonal status, and a number of external factors-for example, diet, the microbial flora colonizing the teeth, oral hygiene, and fluoride availability. In this article, our aim is to focus on the effects of saliva and salivary constituents on cariogenic bacteria and the subsequent development of dental caries.
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uman saliva not only lubricates the oral tissues, making oral functions such as speaking, eating, and swallowing possible, but also protects teeth and oral _ mucosal surfaces in different ways. The lubricating and antimicrobial functions of saliva are maintained mainly by resting saliva. Stimulation of saliva results in a flushing effect and the clearance of oral debris and noxious agents. However, the protective functions of saliva are not limited to the above-mentioned functions. Recent studies have revealed a large number of functions, mediated by
M. Lenander-Lumikari*. V. Loimaranta
Department of Cariology and Turku Immunology Centre, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Lemminkaisenkatu 2, FIN - 20520 Turku, Finland, Corresponding author, marlen@utu.fi Adv Dent Res 14:40-47, December, 2000
Abstract - Caries is a unique multifactorial infectious disease. Our understanding of etiological factors, the progress of the disease, and the effectiveness of prophylactic procedures have led us to believe that we understand the disease. However, we still have too few answers to many questions: "Why can we not predict who will get the disease?" "Why do we not become immunized?" "How much saliva is enough?" or "Which salivary components are protective?" and "Which salivary components predispose for caries?" It is generally accepted, however, that saliva secretion and salivary components secreted in saliva are important for dental health. The final result, "caries to be or not to be", is a complex phenomenon involving internal defense factors, such as saliva, tooth surface morphology, general health, and nutritional and hormonal status, and a number of external factors-for example, diet, the microbial flora colonizing the teeth, oral hygiene, and fluoride availability. In this article, our aim is to focus on the effects of saliva and salivary constituents on cariogenic bacteria and the subsequent development of dental caries.
H
uman saliva not only lubricates the oral tissues, making oral functions such as speaking, eating, and swallowing possible, but also protects teeth and oral _ mucosal surfaces in different ways. The lubricating and antimicrobial functions of saliva are maintained mainly by resting saliva. Stimulation of saliva results in a flushing effect and the clearance of oral debris and noxious agents. However, the protective functions of saliva are not limited to the above-mentioned functions. Recent studies have revealed a large number of functions, mediated by
References: Aaltonen AS, Tenovuo J, Lehtonen O-P (1987). Increased dental caries activity of preschool children with low baseline levels of serum IgG antibodies against the bacterium Streptococcus mutans Lenander-Lumikari & Loimaranta Adv Dent Res 14:40-47, December, 2000 Adv Dent Res 14:40-47, December, 2000 Saliva and Dental Caries