Role of saliva in caries models.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of mechanisms without original empirical data or systematic search methodology.
PubMed 8615945 · doi:10.1177/08959374950090030701
What was done
This narrative review describes the protective role of saliva in maintaining the balance between demineralization and remineralization in caries development. It outlines static and dynamic salivary effects and evaluates how experimental caries models must account for these physiological mechanisms.
What was found
No quantitative data or sample numbers are reported in the abstract. Salivary buffering of plaque acids and sugar clearance are highlighted as key dynamic mechanisms preventing demineralization, while saliva and fluoride act cooperatively to facilitate remineralization of white spot lesions.
Why it matters
The paper provides a conceptual framework for understanding salivary defenses in cariology and emphasizes that caries models must properly incorporate salivary actions to produce valid experimental findings.
Limits
The paper is a narrative overview without primary human data, sample sizes, or systematic review methodology. The abstract notes that the relative importance of specific protective properties of saliva remains uncertain.
Cited by
- context Teeth demineralize during eating and drinking, and repair themselves over a two-hour recovery period afterwards.