The effect of NaF on the bacterial production of polysaccharide and subsequent adsorption on hydroxyapatite.

The affinity of some bacterial polysaccharides for hydroxyapatite was investigated. Water insoluble polysaccharide production by bacteria was inhibited by the presence of NaF in the growth medium, while the water soluble fraction was unaffected. The adsorption of the bacterial polysaccharide on hydroxyapatite decreased with decreasing levels of the water insoluble fraction. It is suggested that NaF can inhibit bacterial attachment and caries by interfering with bacterial attachment through reducing the production of water insoluble polysaccharide.