Composition and metabolic activity of dental plaque from healthy young and elderly individuals

The composition and biochemical activities of 4- and 9-day-old plaque were studied in young and elderly subjects. Plaque accumulation tended to be greater in the older group. Levan hydrolase activity and the total number of recoverable, viable microorganisms were higher in plaque from younger subjects. Results suggest that the microbial composition of plaque is qualitatively different in younger and elderly subjects.