The composition of the dental pellicle: an updated literature review

Abstract

BackgroundThe dental pellicle is a thin layer of up to several hundred nm in thickness, covering the tooth surface. It is known to protect the teeth from acid attacks through its selective permeability and it is involved in the remineralization process of the teeth. It functions also as binding site and source of nutrients for bacteria and conditioning biofilm (foundation) for dental plaque formation.MethodsFor this updated literature review, the PubMed database was searched for the dental pellicle and its composition.ResultsThe dental pellicle has been analyzed in the past years with various state-of-the art analytic techniques such as high-resolution microscopic techniques (e.g., scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy), spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, affinity chromatography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and blotting-techniques (e.g., western blot). It consists of several different amino acids, proteins, and proteolytic protein fragments. Some studies also investigated other compounds of the pellicle, mainly fatty acids, and carbohydrates.ConclusionsThe dental pellicle is composed mainly of different proteins, but also fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Analysis with state-of-the-art analytical techniques have uncovered mainly acidic proline-rich proteins, amylase, cystatin, immunoglobulins, lysozyme, and mucins as main proteins of the dental pellicle. The pellicle has protective properties for the teeth. Further research is necessary to gain more knowledge about the role of the pellicle in the tooth remineralization process.

Biofilm Formation on Hybrid, Resin-Based CAD/CAM Materials for Indirect Restorations: A Comprehensive Review

“…Biofilm formation (dental plaque) is a multiple-stage process [53]. When a dental biomaterial, in our case a resin-based CAD/CAM material, is adhered to a tooth structure and starts functioning in the oral cavity, it is immediately coated by saliva, and an acquired pellicle is formed [54]. After the first stage of acquired pellicle formation, the initial bacterial adhesion commences, and the formation of the dental plaque biofilm continues with the adhesion and coagulation of further microorganisms.…”

Plant-Derived Compounds: A Promising Tool for Dental Caries Prevention

“…Carious lesions are caused by oral bacteria organized in biofilms [ 12 ]. The adherence of microorganisms commences immediately after the formation of the acquired pellicle on the surfaces of teeth and restorative–prosthetic materials [ 13 ]. The most abundant cariogenic microorganism is Streptococcus mutans , which produces glycosyltransferases, facilitating biofilm formation.…”