[Effect of neuraminidase on the adherence of S. mutans to salivary pellicle].

The salivary glycoproteins have been showing to play a receptor role in the adherence of bacteria to surface of teeth. Sialic acid is believed to be an important component of the salivary glycoprotein which adsorb selectively on tooth surface. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of neuraminidase on the adherence of S. mutans to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite, and concomitantly to determine the content of free sialic acid. The results show significantly lower adherence of S. mutans to neuraminidase treated versus untreated salivary pellicle. Results from these studies suggested that sialic acid receptors may mediate adherence of S. mutans.