Effect of Fluoride on Extracellular Polysaccharide Production by Streptococcus mutans

Abstract
Fluoride at a concentration of 70 ppm in a dialyzed medium influenced the growth of cariogenic streptococci and also extracellular polysaccharide production. In four of five strains tested higher yields of microorganisms were obtained from the medium without added fluoride. Fluoride also affected the composition of the polysaccharide produced. The ratio of fructose to glucose usually was substantially higher in the fluoride group than in the control groups.