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Site-specific dental plaque pH in 13-year-old Thai schoolchildren

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Abstract

Objective

The aim of this paper was to study pH conditions between dental sites, taking account the presence of caries, calculus, and microbial composition and alkali production.

Materials and methods

One hundred 13-year-old Thai schoolchildren were recorded for caries experience (DMFT, DT), calculus, plaque, and gingivitis. Ex vivo urease activity was measured on 11, 26, 31, and 46 (distal aspect) with the rapid urease test and pH at baseline and after rinse with 0.25 % urea solution on mesial site in vivo. Interproximal plaque from contralateral teeth was microbiological analysed with the checkerboard technique.

Results

Thirty-four children were caries free. Plaque and calculus were abundant; all children showed a high resting plaque pH and the mandibular incisor showed significantly (p < 0.01) higher pH at baseline, max pH and AOC7.0 after urea challenge, ex vivo urease activity and calculus but lower caries experience than other teeth. A significant inverse correlation (p < 0.02) was found between caries frequency and ex vivo urease activity for tooth 11. Anaerobes predominated over streptococci, but no significant differences between dental sites were found.

Conclusions

The study group had a high baseline plaque pH, in vivo and ex vivo urease activity, and calculus but low caries experience, which was best reflected in the lower incisor region.

Clinical relevance

Urease activity and pH on site level may be important determinants for individuals at caries risk.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology and by a TUA –Grant, Folktandvården, Västra Götaland Region, Sweden (TUAGBG-67191). We also thank Dr. Anette Carlén for fruitful discussions during the preparation of this paper and Susanne Blomqvist for technical assistance.

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkla, Thailand

    S. Piwat & R. Teanpaisan

  2. Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 450, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden

    H. Hassan, T. Kjeang, J. Lindehag, H. Wedin & G. Dahlén

Authors
  1. S. Piwat
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  2. H. Hassan
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  3. T. Kjeang
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  4. J. Lindehag
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  5. H. Wedin
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  6. R. Teanpaisan
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  7. G. Dahlén
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. Dahlén.

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Piwat, S., Hassan, H., Kjeang, T. et al. Site-specific dental plaque pH in 13-year-old Thai schoolchildren. Clin Oral Invest 19, 2179–2186 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-015-1454-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-015-1454-z

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