The origin and significance of salivary phosphatase

Abstract

THE occurrence of a phosphatase in saliva is generally accepted. Demuth [1925] appears to have been the first to study the activity of this enzyme in saliva. Adamson [1929] and Smith [1930] made important advances in this subject. Both observers considered the phosphatase activity of saliva to be related to the formation of calculus (tartar) on the teeth.