The Role of Saliva in the Control of pH Changes in Human Dental Plaque

Abstract

Changes in plaque pH (Stephan curves) after sugar mouth rinses, observed by the method of Frostell [1970], may be used to test the effect of factors possibly related to caries. Relationships observed between the Stephan curves and the salivary responses (pH and flow rate) suggest that the pH of saliva is a major factor controlling plaque pH. Modification of the Stephan curve may be more readily achieved by increasing the neutralising action of the saliva than by altering the acid-producing potential of the plaque.