In vitro enamel demineralization by Streptococcus mutans in the presence of salivary pellicles.

Salivary pellicles developed on extracted teeth favorably affected the degree and nature of enamel demineralization when the teeth were incubated in vitro with either of two pure strains of cariogenic Streptococcus mutans. The mechanism responsible for this protection may relate to the permselective properties of these salivary pellicles.