Effect of trace elements on dissolution of hydroxyapatite by cariogenic streptococci.

The effect of low levels of strontium, boron, lithium, molybdenum, and fluorine, alone and in combination, on hydroxyapatite solubility, bacterial growth, and acid production in five antigenic types of Streptococcus mutans was investigated. Pour plates containing synthetic hydroxyapatite were used to compare dissolution of hydroxyapatite. The colonies of the five antigenic types of S mutans produced zones of dissolution that were measured. Acid production and growth were studied in broth culture media. The results show that low levels of strontium and fluorine can significantly reduce demineralization of synthetic hydroxyapatite by S mutans in vitro.