Figure 3.

(a) Dentocult SM strip mutans kit. (b) Inoculated strips placed in the selective culture broth with the smooth surface attached to the cap and vial is labelled with the patient's name, age, sex, date and duration of fixed orthodontic appliances. (c) Vials containing inoculated strips are incubated in an upright position at 37°C for 48 h. (d) Bacteriological incubator. (e) Results were interpreted by comparing the strip with the manufacturer's model chart scores for Streptococcus mutans in CFU/ml.