Dextranase-producing organisms in dental plaque from caries-free and caries-active naval recruits

Summary Dental plaque samples from caries-free and caries-active naval recruits were assayed for the prevalence of dextranase-producing organisms. These organisms were found in the plaque of all of the subjects. Mean percentages of dextranase-producing organisms with respect to total colony count for the 2 groups of subjects were not significantly different.The authors thank DTl Samuel Shelton and Mr Eric Mandel for technical assistance. The research was supported by Naval Medical Research and Development Command Project ZF58.524.012-0026, Bethesda, Maryland. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as reflecting the views of the Navy Department or the Naval Service at large. The use of commercially available products does not imply endorsement of these products or preference to other similar products on the market.