[In vivo adhesion of Streptococcus mutans on amalgam and composite restorative materials]

The adherence of cariogenic S. mutans, to dental restorative materials in vitro has been reported previously. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of S. mutans, to colonize on metallic and nonmetallic composite restorative materials in vivo. A total of 30 plaque samples from patients with metallic restorations, and 30 plaque samples from the patients with nonmetallic restorations obtained. This study indicates that, composite restorative materials and unpolished surfaces tend to be more highly colonized by S. mutans, than metallic and polished surfaces.