A simple ultrasound method to characterize in vitro plaque inhibition activity.

A method employing ultrasound vibration for evaluating in vitro plaque derived from Streptococcus mutans was developed. It successfully detected small changes in the cohesive/adhesive characteristics of deposits briefly exposed to several antibacterials and "antiadherents". Increased structural fragility and diminished plaque growth were generally associated with the antibacterials.