Abstract
The capacity of phytic acid and glycerophosphate to desorb salivary proteins from hydroxyapatite was studied in vitro. Phytic acid had a high capacity for desorption; the capacity of glycerophosphate was considerably lower. In vivo experiments showed that both substances were capable of reducing plaque formation; phytic acid had a greater effect. The results may offer an explanation of the cariostatic effect of these substances.