Major
Biology
Anticipated Graduation Year
2025
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
This study examines S. mutans growth in broths containing one of the following artificial sweeteners: sucrose, sucralose, sorbitol, or xylitol. Using spectrophotometry and pH measurements, correlations between sweetener and colony growth could be made. Results suggest that the high growth rates of glucose and fructose are similar to that of sucrose. Contrastingly, the lowest growth rates and pH drop were noted in Xylitol. Sucrose had visible biofilm formation whereas xylitol did not. The potential correlation between high sucrose consumption and increased dental hygiene risk may invoke further studies to investigate the viability of consistent sweetener use with minimal oral detriment.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Dr. Jeremy Ritzert, Department of Biology; Dr. Kristen Krueger, Department of Anthropology
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Exploring the Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on Streptococcus mutans Growth and pH level
This study examines S. mutans growth in broths containing one of the following artificial sweeteners: sucrose, sucralose, sorbitol, or xylitol. Using spectrophotometry and pH measurements, correlations between sweetener and colony growth could be made. Results suggest that the high growth rates of glucose and fructose are similar to that of sucrose. Contrastingly, the lowest growth rates and pH drop were noted in Xylitol. Sucrose had visible biofilm formation whereas xylitol did not. The potential correlation between high sucrose consumption and increased dental hygiene risk may invoke further studies to investigate the viability of consistent sweetener use with minimal oral detriment.