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

abstract – 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.