Infrared Spectral Characteristics of Human Whole Stimulated Saliva Collected from Individuals Classified as to Dental Caries Experience.

摘要

Infrared spectral curves (2-16 microns) were accomplished on the saliva of 398 United States Air Force enlistees, who were classified according to dental caries status. Slight variations in the characteristic absorption spectra of human saliva appeared correlated with the carious surface score. Infrared scores, based on spectral curve characteristics, were inverse to 24-hour bacterial turbidity readings and directly correlated to flow rate. Infrared analysis presents a potential method for evaluating the immediate caries susceptibility status of an individual; however, this hypothesis needs confirmation in a time-function study.