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Oral Biofilms: Pathogens, Matrix, and Polymicrobial Interactions in Microenvironments.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Expedited Radiation Biodosimetry by Automated Dicentric Chromosome Identification (ADCI) and Dose Estimation
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Published on: September 4, 2017

The Stephan Curve revisited.

William H Bowen1

  • 1Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. William_Bowen@urmc.rochester.edu

Odontology
|December 11, 2012
PubMed
Summary

The Stephan Curve, crucial for caries research, overemphasizes acid production. Exploring alkali production in dental plaque offers new avenues for preventing tooth decay.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Dental Research
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The Stephan Curve has been a cornerstone in dental caries research for decades.
  • It primarily focuses on acid production in dental plaque as the cause of tooth demineralization.
  • Current methods for measuring plaque pH may lack accuracy due to localized pH variations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the dominant focus on acid production in caries research.
  • To highlight the underappreciated role of alkali production within the dental plaque environment.
  • To suggest alternative research directions beyond the traditional Stephan Curve model.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on the Stephan Curve and dental plaque pH dynamics.
  • Analysis of technological limitations in current plaque pH measurement.

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  • Conceptual exploration of alkali production mechanisms in oral biofilms.

    • Main Results:

    • The Stephan Curve's reliance on overall plaque pH may obscure localized variations and other metabolic processes.
    • Acid production is a significant factor, but alkali production's influence on tooth dissolution is largely overlooked.
    • Current methodologies might provide a "false sense of accuracy" regarding plaque pH.

    Conclusions:

    • Over-reliance on the Stephan Curve may lead to an incomplete understanding of dental caries.
    • Enhancing alkali production in dental plaque presents a promising, yet underexplored, research area.
    • Further investigation into the plaque milieu and alkali production could yield significant advancements in caries prevention strategies.