Streptococcus mutans and other cariogenic oral bacteria (S. mutans)

Streptococcus mutans and other cariogenic oral bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Actinomyces species, are the primary microbial drivers of dental caries (tooth decay) [1]. These Gram-positive bacteria colonize the tooth surface by forming complex biofilms known as dental plaque, utilizing dietary sucrose to produce extracellular polysaccharides that facilitate adhesion [2]. Their pathogenicity is defined by acidogenicity—the fermentation of carbohydrates into lactic acid—and aciduricity, which allows them to survive in the resulting low-pH environment that demineralizes dental enamel [1, 2]. Beyond oral health, S. mutans is a significant cause of infective endocarditis if it enters the systemic circulation [4].\n\nTherapeutic strategies focus on reducing bacterial load and inhibiting acid production using agents like fluoride and chlorhexidine [3, 5]. Fluoride acts by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme enolase and promoting the remineralization of tooth surfaces [3]. Antiseptics like chlorhexidine disrupt bacterial cell membranes, while sugar alcohols like xylitol interfere with bacterial metabolism to prevent the accumulation of plaque [1, 5]. These interventions aim to manage the oral microbiome and prevent the progression of dental disease [1].

Other names

Cariogenic bacteriaDental plaque bacteriaAcidogenic oral bacteriaOral streptococci

Inhibition of bacterial metabolism and disruption of biofilm integrity.