On the Role of Mucin in the Pathogenesis of Caries

On the Role of Mucin in the Pathogenesis of Caries

Abstract

On the Role of Much in the Pathogenesis of Caries. BY H. KEISER-NIELSEN,M. D., Copenhagen. ___ 616.314.00202 As a political fugitive in Sweden I was offered a n opportunity in the Serafimer Lazarette, Stockholm, t o carry out some experimental studies on the etiology of caries. Among other things, a method was worked out for titration of small amounts of dissolved or undissolved carbohydrate in oral lavage. This is obtained by washing the mouth and teeth by means of a strong atomizer - if necessary, together with the employment of a probe or dental floss. I n this way a fairly accurate measure is obtained for the carbohydrate retention under various conditions, especially in examination of the milk teeth. Thus we are enabled t o estimate the amount and ratio of dissolved and undissolved carbohydrate, for instance, after intake of various sorts of bread or after bread ))sweets)),and t o compare the “carbohydrate status” of the mouth immediately after a night’s sleep with the corresponding condition immediately before the onset o€ sleep. Furthermore, the cleansing capacity of various fruits and vegetables as well as the effectivity of the tooth-brushing and various tooth-pastes may be tested experimentally in this