Abstract
Factors affecting the aggregation of the cellular and acellular components of dental plaque were studied as a function of pH. Suspensions of plaque cells were titrated between pH 10 and 3 with 0.1 N HCl and the effects on aggregation of varying the cell concentration, ionic strength and the concentration of divalent cations (calcium and magnesium) were determined. The effect of the high molecular weight components of plaque on the aggregation of the plaque cells in the presence of calcium was also determined as a function of pH. Aggregation occurred when the pH was decreased and was favoured and occurred at a higher pH when the cell concentration, the ionic strength, or the concentration of divalent cations was increased. All of the acellular components of plaque protected the cells against the aggregating effect of calcium, except for one component which enhanced aggregation. The findings in this study support the theory that a more acid pH on the surface of the teeth favours plaque formation.
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