Sucrose Retention and Colonization by Mutans Streptococci at Different Sites of the Dentition

Abstract

The correlations between the retention and elimination of sucrose at different oral sites and the colonization by mutans streptococci at the same sites were tested in 10 subjects with > 10(5) mutans streptococci per millilitre of saliva. Paraffin-stimulated saliva was collected and plaque samples were taken with a toothpick from all the buccal surfaces except the third molars. One week after the plaque sampling, the sucrose clearance was determined. After a mouth rinse with 10 ml of a 10% sucrose solution, pre-weighed filter paper discs were placed at representative buccal sites of the interdental papilla between molars, premolars and incisors in the upper and lower jaw. The samples were collected 0.5, 2.5, 5.5, 8.5 and 12.5 min after rinsing. Analysis of the sucrose concentration was made using an enzymatic method. The oral sugar clearance was slower in the anterior region of the upper jaw than in the posterior regions and in the central region of the lower jaw. The frequency of mutans streptococci decreased towards the anterior teeth, with Streptococcus sobrinus predominating over Streptococcus mutans. A negative correlation was observed in the upper jaw between sugar clearance and retention and the prevalence of mutans streptococci, whereas the opposite tendency was observed in the lower jaw.