The understanding and capability to simulate reproducible in vitro plaque model is important where this artificial plaque can be utilized as tool in accessing the efficacy of tooth cleaning products. Previous studies were done on synthetic surfaces such as glass beads under 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 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 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. After 24 hours, sticky deposit was formed on the surface of the tooth. The area of biofilm, stained with disclosing agent, expended from 19.05±1.41mm2 (24 hours) to 23.25±0.35mm2 (48 hours). However, no significant expansion of plaque area was observed on the 72 hours (23.83±0.52mm2). The biofilm was then observed under Infinite Focus Microscope (IFM) to measure biofilm thickness. The preliminary attempt showed that plaque appeared as dark deposit with certain thickness. Therefore, this simplified system is a reliable method in producing artificial plaque.
Key words: in vitro biofilm, plaque simulation, extracted tooth, Streptococcus mutans
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