Crevicular IgG antibodies and Streptococcus mutans on erupting human first permanent molars

The specific IgG antibody activity against indigenous Streptococcus mutans in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was determined in 25, 6-7-yr-old children. Samples of plaque and GCF were collected from all erupting first permanent molars. Plaque samples were also collected from the adjacent second primary molars. The presence of clinical caries was scored as defs. In the same individual a highly significant correlation (p less than 0.005) was found between the level of specific antibody activity in GCF when comparing first permanent molars with each other. No correlation was found between the specific antibody activity in GCF and the number of indigenous Strep. mutans colonizing the buccal surfaces of the first permanent molars. Caries-free children had significantly less specific antibody activity in GCF than children with caries experience (p less than 0.05). In the same child a highly significant correlation (p less than 0.0001) was found between the level of colonization by mutans streptococci on the permanent molars and the adjacent second primary molars.