The acquired enamel pellicles in adults and children; Present knowledge and interpretation of functions.

Dr Anne Beate Clasen
Assistant Professor
Department of Cariology
Faculty of Dentistry
University of Oslo
Norway

Abstract

The talk will cover some historic aspects of pellicle research, especially research from the sixties and the seventies. It will also cover more recent publications and discuss both the more recent findings and the historical in view of the recent findings. The protein layer, also called the acquired enamel pellicle, covering the tooth surfaces in the oral cavity, is interposed between tooth and plaque. The pellicle is believed to regulate activities important in dental health and disease. The pellicle may influence ion movement, permit remineralization and act as a barrier to acid attacks of various origin.

Many of the salivary proteins have been identified in the enamel pellicle and lately it has also been suggested that the amount of protein in the saliva may influence the formation of the enamel pellicle. Some pellicle researchers believe that some protein structures, micelle-like structures, found in saliva, must comprise a large part of the enamel pellicle, if not all of it, and be responsible for the pellicle functions. Most of the in-vivo and in-situ studies of pellicle however, have been performed in adults on permanent enamel and on buccal surfaces. Only recently pellicles formed in children, on deciduous enamel and on various sites in the oral cavity have been studied. Some results may suggest new explanations to some of the phenomena frequently observed in the oral cavity; Tooth wear in children and observed palatal erosions in bulimic patients and others patients with frequent intake of acidic drinks.

The talk will include more thorough presentations of research performed by the presenter and highlight her contribution to present knowledge about the acquired enamel pellicle.

27/02/01, Tuesday

Time

1900 - 2100 hrs

Venue

Conference Lecture Theatre (CLT)
Level 1, Faculty of Dentistry
National University Hospital
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119074

Organiser

Chapter of Dental Surgeons, Academy of Medicine, Singapore

Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore

Chairman

Dr Stephen Hsu

NOTE

This lecture is accredited by the SDC for CDE for 1 point

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