Role of Saliva/salivary pellicle in dental erosion and dental caries
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of human natural saliva and salivary pellicle in enamel and dentine demineralisation and remineralisation associated with dental erosion and dental caries
IRAS ID
146054
Contact name
Rebecca Moazzez
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Research summary
Dental erosion is the wear of teeth by acids which are either found in foods and drinks or regurgitated (traveling up from the stomach into the gullet) into the mouth. Erosion may involve enamel or dentine.
Dental caries (decay) also results in loss of tooth tissue by the action of an acid but through a completely different process involving fermentation of dietary sugars by bacteria found in dental plaque (the creamy white material building the teeth if they are not brushed for a period of time). Saliva and pellicle (a thin protein film that naturally forms on the tooth surface immediately after brushing) offer some protection against both dental erosion and dental caries. This research study aims to look at the constituents and protective effects of saliva and salivary pellicle (a thin protein film that naturally forms on the tooth surface immediately after brushing)on enamel and dentine. Potential participants will be given the information sheet and allowed enough time to consider the study. Those who are happy to take part and give written informed consent and will fill out medical, dental, diet and reflux (acid coming into the mouth from the stomach) questionnaires and if they meet the inclusion/ exclusion criteria will be asked to donate saliva. Unstimulated saliva will be collected from adult participants. Unstimulated saliva will be collected from participants via dribbling into a sterilized tube. Stimulated saliva will be generated from chewing on tasteless paraffin wax and collected in the same manner. Participants will have good general and oral health. The samples will be anonymised and be used in a Laboratory study. Pellicle will be formed on sections of extracted teeth (with previous ethical approval for collection) in the Laboratory. Once the project is completed all samples will be discarded.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/0183
Date of REC Opinion
29 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion