The Microbic Flora of the Dental Plaque in Relation to the Beginning of Caries

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Abstract
A series of dental plaques were removed from the proximal surfaces of premolar teeth starting soon after eruption of the teeth and continuing up to four years. Clinical and roentgenological examinations for caries were made at the same time. The plaques were cultured anaerobically at 37[degree]C. for four days, on blood agar (pH 7.2), tomato agar (pH 5.0) and in dextrose infusion broth (pH 5.0). The viable microorganisms were identified by stained smears and subculture. The incidence of 27 varieties of microorganisms found was related to the beginning of caries. Only lactobacilli showed a definite increased incidence in association with the development of carious lesions, although small positive and negative correlations occurred for other microorganisms.