A simple approach to examine early oral microbial biofilm formation and the effects of treatments.
OBJECTIVE
A simple in vivo approach to examine early dental plaque formation in the human mouth and to determine the effects of common dietary and oral hygiene procedures on biofilm formation is reported.


METHODS
A custom designed device that fits securely behind the teeth of the mandibular arch provides a surface for microbial colonization. This device is prepared with denture acrylic and can be repeatedly used by the subject, exposing a large and constant surface area for microbial accumulation.


RESULTS
Large numbers of oral bacteria colonized the device by 2 h; these increased significantly by 4 h (P < 0.05). Bacterial colonization increased significantly after rinsing with a sucrose solution (P < 0.05) but remained unaffected after rinsing with water, a commercially available fluoride mouthrinse without antimicrobial agents, or brushing with a fluoride dentifrice (P > 0.05). Rinsing with mouthrinses formulated with chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride or triclosan/copolymer significantly inhibited colonization (P < 0.05). A dose-dependent inhibition was noted with chlorhexidine rinses (P < 0.05). Brushing with a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice significantly inhibited microbial colonization compared with a control (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This simple approach was useful for examining the effects of common dietary and oral hygiene procedures. Significant biofilm inhibitory effects were noted with formulations that demonstrated efficacy in previous clinical studies.
Colgate-Palmolive Company, River Road, Piscataway, NJ, USA. prem_sreenivasan@colpal.com
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Sreenivasan
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Mattai
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Nabi
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T
Xu
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Gaffar
D016924:Actinomyces viscosus / Q000187:drug effects; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D002594:Cetylpyridinium / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008298:Maleates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects; D013298:Streptococcus sanguis / Q000187:drug effects; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014260:Triclosan / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D003802:Dentifrices; D008298:Maleates; D009067:Mouthwashes; D011095:Polyethylenes; D014260:Triclosan; C043105:poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride); D002594:Cetylpyridinium; D002710:Chlorhexidine