The effect of fluoride on the acid production of Streptococcus mutans and other oral streptococci.
The influence of fluoride on the acid production of streptococcal strains was examined using an established method for the determination of acid production by microorganisms. The inhibitory effects of fluoride on acid production increased when the pH dropped from 5.5 to 4.0. A concentration of 5 ppm fluoride inhibited the acid production activity of Streptococcus mutants at pH 5 and below. Susceptibility to fluoride varied among streptococcal strains. These results suggest that fluoride in dental plaque may affect acid production below pH 5.5.
D000143:Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000494:pharmacology; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000378:metabolism; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000378:metabolism*; D013298:Streptococcus sanguis / Q000378:metabolism
D000143:Acids; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D005459:Fluorides