Developmental and Metabolic Aspects of a Monobacterial Plaque of Streptococcus mutans C 67–1 Grown on Human Enamel Slabs in an Artificial Mouth Model

Abstract
Development and metabolic aspects of a monobacterial plaque of Streptococcus mutans C 67-1, inoculated on flattened human enamel slabs, were studied using an artificial mouth model. Scanning electron microscopic observations, DNA measurements, viable cell counts and determination of metabolic end products of the plaque were carried out during the study. The results showed that plaque development started from randomly spread small groups or single bacteria on day 1. Macroscopically visible multilayered microcolonies developed after 4 days. DNA determination and viable counts showed a marked increase in total plaque mass during the first 2 weeks of the experiments, followed by a levelling off in the viable counts. Lactic acid appeared to be the predominant acid produced after sucrose supply, whereas formic and acetic acid were found after artificial saliva supply only. These data are in agreement with previous findings in both animal and human studies and demonstrate the feasibility of this artificial mouth model for further plaque studies.

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