Enhancement and inhibition of dental plaque formation — Some old and new concepts

The presence of sucrose in the diet is a dominant factor in supragingival plaque formation. Glucosyltransferase catalyzing the formation of insoluble polysaccharide is presumably the adhesive factor binding bacteria to teeth and to each other through interaction between rigid a 1–3 linked glucose chains. Model studies concerning plaque formation should include introduction of sucrose into the media. Plaque inhibition can be achieved by use of cationic water soluble substances (chlorhexidine, certain metal ions etc.) and by certain lipid soluble antibacterial agents. Treatment of teeth with agents which give teeth hydrophobic surfaces may reduce plaque formation in vivo.