PEROXIDE AND PEROXIDOGENIC BACTERIA IN HUMAN SALIVA

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Abstract
Three types of experiments are reported. Colorimetric methods using titanium sulfate are not sufficiently sensitive to detect biogenic H2O2 in saliva. An explanation is offered for the disparity between this finding and the recent claim of detection of bound salivary peroxide. Bacterial counts in modified Penfold''s medium show that the majority of aerobic salivary bacteria form H2O2 in vitro. The proportions of peroxidogenic bacteria are subject to host influences. Peroxide reagent is decomposed very rapidly by salivary hydroperoxidases. The time of decomposition of biogenic peroxide and its availability for ecologic effects seem to depend on the relative quantities of substrate and enzymes.