A simplified system for simulation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm on healthy extracted human tooth as dental plaque model

The understanding and capability to simulate reproducible in vitro plaque model are important where this artificial plaque can be utilized as a tool in assessing the efficacy of tooth cleaning products. Previous studies were done on synthetic surfaces such as glass beads under a very strict, controlled environment. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish a simplified system to enable the formation of single species biofilm on the extracted natural tooth as plaque model. Healthy extracted natural tooth was incubated in broth mixture of Streptococcus mutans, containing 5% sucrose and stimulated saliva in a simplified system. The incubation was set at room temperature for 24, 48, and 72 hours. After 24 hours, the sticky deposit was formed on the surface of the tooth. The area of biofilm, stained with disclosing agent, expended from 19.05 ± 1.41 mm2 (24 hours) to 23.25 ± 0.35 mm2 (48 hours). However, no significant expansion of the plaque area was observed on 72 hours (23.83 ± 0.52 mm2). The biofilm was then observed under Infinite Focus Microscope (IFM) to measure the biofilm thickness. The preliminary attempt showed that plaque appeared as dark deposit with a certain thickness. Therefore, this simplified system is a reliable method for producing artificial plaque.