Various types of streptococci and experimental caries in hamsters

Abstract

The implantation and the caries-inducing effect in hamsters of various types of human oral streptococci has been studied. All strains of Streptococcus mutans and all but one strain of Streptococcus salivarius could be implanted in the mouth of the hamster and induce a strong to moderate caries activity. Streptococcus sanguis which is often the predominant species of the streptococcal flora on the human teeth could not be implanted in the hamster in the present study. The observations illustrate the limitation of the animal caries-models when studying the specific role of various micro-organisms in human caries.