Serum antibodies to plaque bacteria in subjects with dental caries and gingivitis.

Correlations were sought between indices of gingival inflammation and dental caries experience and serum antibody titers to five species of oral bacteria. The material comprised 53 young adult males. A statistically significant, negative correlation was observed between the antibody titer to a pool of Veillonella strains and dental caries experience. Multiple regression analyses failed to reveal significant associations between periodontal disease and serum antibody titers. However, the data suggested a combined association of the titers to the strains of Veillonella and a strain of Fusobacterium with the periodontal index.