Research Article

Clinical Implications of Power Toothbrushing on Fluoride Delivery: Effects on Biofilm Plaque Metabolism and Physiology

Figure 3

(a) In an S. mutans biofilm, addition of sucrose increased respiration rate by over 100% while fluoride addition reduced aerobic respiration rate by 17%. The aerobic respiration rate is shown in ex vivo interproximal plaque for comparison (hatched bar). (b) Negative H+ consumption indicates acid production. The addition of sucrose increased activity by a factor of 170 while the addition of F significantly inhibited acid fermentation. Data for a sterile system are shown as a negative control.
651869.fig.003a
(a)
651869.fig.003b
(b)