Journal of Dental Research, Vol 63, 1197-1200, Copyright © 1984 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Selection of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in an intra-oral human caries model
P. Arneberg, B. Ogaard, A. A. Scheie and G. Rolla
Microbiologic changes during caries development underneath a
plaque-retaining band were investigated by the use of selective media for
streptococci, Streptococcus mutans, and lactobacilli. The final four-week
plaque samples on 16 experimental teeth in six young subjects were
assessed. Seven experimental teeth in three other subjects were sampled at
baseline and after one, two, and four weeks. All 23 experimental teeth
developed a white spot lesion. In the final four-week plaque samples on the
lesions, S. mutans accounted for 8% and lactobacilli 0.1% of the total CFU,
both being significantly higher than in plaque from unbanded control
surfaces. All experimental teeth sampled during lesion formation showed
consistently elevated plaque levels of S. mutans and lactobacilli in
comparison with baseline and control values at weeks one, two, and four.
The results demonstrated a cariogenic environment in the human mouth
associated with rapid selection of aciduric bacterial species such as S.
mutans and lactobacilli.
