Which statement describes how saliva relates to the acquired pellicle on teeth?

Which statement describes how saliva relates to the acquired pellicle on teeth?

• A. It decreases the thickness of the acquired pellicle
• B. It has no effect on the acquired pellicle
• C. It increases the thickness of the acquired pellicle
• D. It dissolves the acquired pellicle

Answer: (C)

Saliva supplies the proteins and glycoproteins that rapidly coat the enamel to form the acquired pellicle. As these salivary components adsorb to the surface, the pellicle builds up in thickness over time with continued exposure. Therefore, saliva increases the thickness of the acquired pellicle. It doesn’t dissolve it, and it does have an effect by providing the material that creates the pellicle.

Saliva supplies the proteins and glycoproteins that rapidly coat the enamel to form the acquired pellicle. As these salivary components adsorb to the surface, the pellicle builds up in thickness over time with continued exposure. Therefore, saliva increases the thickness of the acquired pellicle. It doesn’t dissolve it, and it does have an effect by providing the material that creates the pellicle.