Abstract

The pellicle on permanent enamel has been thoroughly studied. The aims of this study were to compare the chemical composition, rate of formation, and ultrastructural appearance of pellicle formed on deciduous enamel in children with those on permanent teeth. This was done by amion acid analyses, Auger analyses, and transmisiion electron microscopy. The amino acid composition of 2-h pellicle on deciduous and permanent enamel had an overall similar pattern, but the contents of serine, glycine, and tyrosine were statistically significantly different. An initially slower pellicle formation and a thinner 2-h pelliced without a globular structured second layer was observed on deciduous enamel. The results indicated therefore distinct differences in chemical composition, rate of formation, and ultrastructural appearance between pellicle on primary teeth and that on permanent teeth.