The effect of media containing sucrose and its constituent monosaccharides on the ability of streptococci to form dental plaque-like deposits on nichrome steel wire in vitro

Abstract

Representative strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus milleri, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus salivarius were tested in vitro for their ability to form an adherent mass on nichrome steel wires in media containing sucrose, glucose, fructose and an equimolar mixture of glucose and fructose. The consistency and morphology of the deposits varied considerably between media. Sucrose provided optimum conditions for deposit formation and in general supported a more adherent microbial mass. A 5 per cent w/v equimolar mixture of glucose and fructose was not equivalent in properties to 5 per cent w/v sucrose.