Abstract
In order to better understand the contribution of salivary proteins to the formation of dental plaque, the localization of salivary proteins in deposits on human teeth was investigated by an immunohistochemical method.
Caries free teeth (35 cases) were selected from generally healthy volunteers who had been undertaking orthodontic therapy with the necessity of exodontia. Before extraction, thoroughgoing cleaning was performed, and toothbrushing suspended from one to 7 days. The extracted teeth were fixed with 1% glutaraldehyde, and buccolingually divided into two pieces. The samples were embedded in paraffin wax or LR white resin® and were demineralized with EDTA.
Immunoperoxiedase staining with the rabbit antiserum against parotid saliva and/or whole saliva (streptavidin-biotin method) showed the localization of salivary proteins in the film surrounding the tooth crown after one day suspension of toothbrushing. On and after the second day, the localization was also investigated in the dental plaque which gradually increased following proliferation of bacterial colonies.
By immunoelectron microscopic investigation, gold particles were recognized in the thin film and interbacterial matrix.
These immunohistochemical observations indicate that salivary proteins contribute not only to the formation of acquired pellicle but also the maturation of dental plaque by providing a suitable circumstance for bacterial growth.
