In Vitro Bacterial Plaque Suppression and Recolonization by S. Mutans and S. Sobrinus

The in vitro study of the interactions between S. mutans and S. sobrinus is important to determine the role of these microorganisms in the formation of biofilms on dental structures and their potential to induce carious lesions. The objective of this research was to study the suppression of bacterial plaque formation and its recolonization by rifampycin-resistant S.mutans and streptomycin-resistant S. sobrinus. To study the competitive relationship between these species, previously standardized strains were incubated in media containing different fermentable carbohydrates. At determined time intervals, samples were collected from mixed cultures of S. mutans and S. sobrinus, diluted and plated on BHI-agar containing rifampycin or streptomycin to determine the number of viable cells of each species by counting colonyforming units. In order to study the bacterial colonization process and in vitro recolonization of bacterial plaque, three experiments were performed: I – co-cultivation of S. mutans and S. sobrinus; II – inoculation of bacterial plaque pre formed by S. sobrinus with S. mutans; and III bacterial plaque pre formed by S. mutans dispersed and plated on BHIagar containing streptomycin or rifampicin to determine the number of viable cells for each species. The results indicated a predominance of S. mutans in relation to S. sobrinus, demonstrating the capacity of S. mutans to inhibit plaque formation by S. sobrinus and recolonize the surfaces.