Abstract
Predicting the tendency of caries susceptibility in the individual mouth seems to be very important for preparing cavities, selecting restorative materials and technic, and giving health care to the patients.
In this study, the test for buffering capacity of saliva newly designed in Part I, and the test for acid solubility of tooth substances and the additional measurement of inorganic phosphorus of saliva with FS-Agar designed in Part II were applied to the pupils of primary and junior high schools, and to the adults in oder to find an effective test for determining caries susceptibility.
The results were as follows;
1. Acid solubility of tooth substances did not show any relations to DMFT and new DMFT.
2. The amount of inorganic phosphorus of saliva was closely related to only DMFT. On the other hand, there was a close relationship between the buffering capacity and new DMFT.
3. Regarding the adults, the buffering capacity of saliva had significant correlation with DMFT, but the amount of inorganic phosphorus of saliva had only a slight correlation.
4. The buffering capacity test newly devised appeared to be quite useful for examining caries suceptibility, after various factors were discussed. Tentative criteria based on the buffering capacity of saliva were thus considered for the treatment planning of carious teeth or the mouth. However, the degree of DMFT should not be overlooked because the tendency of caries susceptibility are somewhat reflected in the degree of the DMFT, particulary in acults case.
5. Further study should be attemyted in oder to establish clear criteria for clinical practice.
