Pellicle formation Sample Clauses

Pellicle formation. The tooth surface contains both calcium and phosphate groups and so is amphoteric and can bind both acidic and basic proteins despite its surface having a net negative charge (due to more phosphate group exposure at the surface) (Beachey., 1980). As a consequence the tooth surface eventually becomes coated with salivary proteins and other macromolecules including albumin, glycoproteins, acidic proline–rich proteins, mucins, sialic acids which provide receptors for pioneering bacterial colonisation (Kreth et al., 2009) (Figure 1.1). This layer can be at least partially removed by brushing with toothpaste but the pellicle layer is restored by proteins in saliva within minutes (Waaler., 2014). This protein layer is known as the acquired pellicle and is a major part of biofilm development as micro-organisms depend on this layer to adhere to the tooth surfaces. Despite the fact that the acquired pellicle allows biofilm formation, hence it can be viewed as a precursor to oral disease, it is thought to be beneficial to teeth due to the fact it forms a barrier protecting the enamel from abrasion and acid attack. However, as the yellowing of teeth is due to the staining of the acquired pellicle, from a cosmetic point of view, it is beneficial to completely remove it occasionally (Xxxxxx et al., 2000).