Effect of Phosphate and pH on Streptococcus mutans Acid Production and Growth

Abstract
The effect of phosphate concentration and the initial pH of bacteriologic media on acid production and bacterial growth of Streptococcus mutans was studied. There was an inhibition of acid production and bacterial growth with an increase in concentrations of phosphate, particularly when the initial pH of the media was 8.0. At a pH of 6.5 the effect was minimal.