Abstract
The serum concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM, and the parotid saliva concentration and secretion rate of IgA were examined in 130 subjects, and related to dental caries experience. Subjects were subdivided into an active caries (AC) group and a no-detectable caries (NDC) group. Positive correlations were found between the index of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMF) and both serum IgA and IgG but not IgM. A significant positive correlation was also found in the NDC group between the concentration of IgA in parotid saliva and the DMF index, but no relationship was seen in the AC group. In the series as a whole, low caries experience was associated with larger volumes of parotid saliva secreted per minute, and a greater secretion rate of salivary IgA than was present in subjects of high caries experience. The results suggest that serum IgG and IgA levels reflect past caries experience, but that salivary IgA may contribute to defence against dental caries.