In situ relationship between sucrose exposure and the composition of dental plaque

The aim of this study was to analyze the composition of dental plaque according to sucrose exposure. Twelve adult volunteers took part in this crossover study done in four phases of 28 days each. For each phase of the study, an acrylic resin appliance containing four human dental enamel blocks was constructed for each volunteer. A 20% sucrose solution was dripped onto the enamel blocks from 0 to 8 times/day. The volunteers were randomly assigned to the treatments. During the experimental period all the subjects used fluoride-free dentifrice, refrained from brushing the enamel blocks and drank water fluoridated at 0.70 ppm F. After each phase the concentrations of fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and total carbohydrate were determined in dental plaque. Statistical analyses showed that frequent sucrose exposure significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the F, Ca and P concentrations in dental plaque, but increased the alkali-soluble carbohydrate concentration. The results suggest that the cariogenicity of dental plaque formed in the presence of sucrose cannot be attributed only to its higher porosity, but the lower inorganic concentration may also be important.