Effect of salivary pellicle formation time on in vitro attachment and demineralization by Streptococcus mutans.

Enamel subsurface demineralization induced by Streptococcus mutans was significantly reduced by seven-day saliva pre-treatments conducive to the formation of enamel pellicles. A two-hour saliva pre-treatment was ineffective. Results suggest that the protection provided by long-term pellicles may relate to changes in ionic transport rates rather than cell attachment.