Journal of Dental Research, Vol 56, 550-558, Copyright © 1977 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Microbial characterization of an experimental cariogenic plaque in man
C. A. Ostrom, T. Koulourides, F. Hickman and J. R. McGhee
Experimentally induced plaque seemed to originate by direct contact
inoculation from the vestibular mucosa and saliva. During the next seven
days, this plaque developed its own characteristics. Populations of
Streptococcus mutans usually less than 2% of total streptococci population
in plaques that were less than three days old, increased between days 3 and
7. Proportions of S sanguis, high in early samples, decreased after day 3.
Populations of S salivarius, which usually outnumbered other streptococci,
fluctuated widely through day 3, and then increased in proportion in
subjects who were more productive of experimental caries, but decreased in
subjects who were less productive. Proportions of plaque flora comprising
lactobacilli paralleled those of S salivarius.
