title: Susceptibility to dental caries.
abstract: The role of the pulp and saliva in caries susceptibility and resistance was evaluated by a combination of endodontic treatment and desalivation. Evidence was presented that the pulp plays a major role in caries susceptibility. Pulpal activity is modified by a hormonal factor or factors of salivary gland origin. Saliva appears to play a minor role in resistance to caries.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology; D003733:Dental Caries Susceptibility; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000502:physiology; D003788:Dental Pulp Diseases / Q000150:complications; D005502:Food; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D012463:Saliva / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones