title: Suppression of Streptococcus mutans in the mouths of humans by a dental prophylaxis and topically-applied iodine.
abstract: A prophylaxis followed by three topical applications of an iodine-potassium iodide solution significantly reduced the levels of Streptococcus mutans in fissure and approximal plaques and in saliva. Reductions persisted 20--24 weeks after treatment in salivary and approximal samples. A prophylaxis alone exerted a small and temporary reduction of S. mutans in occlusal fissure plaque, but did not reduce the levels of this organism in approximal plaque or in saliva. A significant relationship existed between the levels of S. mutans in saliva and the proportions of this organism in plaque. The dorsum of the tongue does not appear to constitute a significant reservoir for S. mutans following disinfecting procedures.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D007455:Iodine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009055:Mouth / Q000382:microbiology*; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000166:cytology; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000166:cytology*; D014059:Tongue / Q000382:microbiology; D014070:Tooth / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D007455:Iodine