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Dental plaque development on defined streptococcal surfaces
R J Skopek1, W F Liljemark, C G Bloomquist
1Department of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry, Minneapolis.
Oral Microbiology and Immunology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Bacterial coaggregation has minimal impact on in vivo plaque formation. Environmental factors and growth dynamics appear to be dominant in oral biofilm development, not just species interactions.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Dental biofilm formation
- Bacterial coaggregation
Background:
- Coaggregation between bacteria is well-studied in vitro but not in vivo within the oral environment.
- Understanding in vivo coaggregation is crucial for deciphering oral biofilm dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effect of bacterial coaggregation on indigenous plaque formation in the human mouth.
- To compare plaque composition on surfaces pre-colonized by coaggregating versus non-coaggregating oral streptococci.
Main Methods:
- A novel in vivo assay using bovine enamel chips coated with Streptococcus oralis or Streptococcus gordonii.
- Chips were incubated in the human mouth for 4 and 24 hours to assess indigenous plaque development.
- Bacterial populations on the chips were quantified and analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in most indigenous bacterial species counts were observed between the two streptococcal surfaces.
- A significant difference in the proportion of Actinomyces viscosus was noted on the two surfaces at 24 hours.
- Most indigenous species increased in number over time, regardless of the initial streptococcal coating.
Conclusions:
- Interbacterial coaggregation plays a limited role in in vivo oral plaque development.
- Environmental factors, bacterial growth, and other adherence mechanisms are likely more dominant in shaping oral biofilms.
- Further research into these dominant factors is warranted.