Streptococcus mutans in plaque and saliva after mouthrinsing with SnF2.

Mouthrinses with SnF2 in 11 subjects significantly reduced (P less than 0.01) the total colony forming units (CFU) count and the numbers of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis in plaque. The numbers of S. mutans and S. sanguis were significantly more reduced than was the total CFU count. After rinsing with SnF2S. sanguis was present in 97% and S. mutans in only 42% of plaque samples from tooth surfaces where they were detected after rinsing with water. SnF2 also significantly reduced (P less than 0.01) the number of S. mutans in saliva. Mouthrinses with NaF did not markedly affect the number of S. mutans either in plaque or in saliva.