The effects of dietary sucrose levels on the microbial composition of 4- and 12-day plaque were investigated in eight dental students. Sucrose-rich diets had no demonstrable effects on total plaque accumulation, whereas total viable microbial density, Streptococcus mutans, and the lactobacilli populations increased. The S sanguis population was unaffected. However, in individual subjects, an inverse relationship between the S sanguis and S mutans population was observed.
– We have established a complete system for quantitation and analysis of dental plaque from human subjects fed nutritionally adequate, well characterized diets containing high and low levels of sucrose. Dietary sucrose level did not significantly alter the quantity of plaque produced. High‐sucrose diet increased plaque Streptococcus mutans populations. Dextran and levan hydrolase activities were also directly related to dietary sucrose level.
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