Abstract
Fibronectin has a nature which combins with various components of biological and nonbiological substances by its specific molecular formula. On the assumption that fibronectin which has such physicochemical properties is contained in saliva, it may be conceivable that this substance not only adheres to the tooth surface as a component of aquired pellicle, but also aggregates bacteria and metalic ions, leading to formation of dental plaque and calculus.
This study was made in order to substantiate the assumption. And it has been clarified by gel diffusion precipitation and immunofluorescence technique that fibronectin exists in salivary glands, saliva and dental plaque, and its molecule increases gradually and becomes insoluble after secretion.
These results suggest that fibronectin is significantly related to the formation of dental plaque and calculus.
