Cariogenic oral bacteria metabolic processes

Cariogenic oral bacteria metabolic processes refer to the collective biochemical activities of dental plaque microorganisms, such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species, that contribute to tooth decay. These bacteria utilize the phosphotransferase system (PTS) to transport dietary sugars, which are then fermented via the glycolytic pathway to produce organic acids, primarily lactic acid (StatPearls, 2023). This localized acid production drops the pH within the oral biofilm, leading to the demineralization of the tooth's hydroxyapatite structure (NIH, 2022). Furthermore, these bacteria produce extracellular polysaccharides (glucans) using glucosyltransferase enzymes, which facilitate the formation of a robust biofilm matrix (PubMed, PMID: 21475128). Therapeutic strategies targeting these processes include the use of fluoride, which inhibits the glycolytic enzyme enolase and reduces the bacteria's ability to maintain pH homeostasis (PubChem). Xylitol, a non-fermentable sugar alcohol, is also employed to interfere with bacterial growth and reduce acid production by acting as a competitive inhibitor in the transport system (Cochrane Library). Understanding these metabolic pathways is crucial for developing targeted antimicrobial therapies that can prevent caries without disrupting the overall balance of the oral microbiome.

Other names

Dental plaque metabolismAcidogenic bacterial pathwaysCariogenic biofilm processesOral bacterial fermentationAciduric bacterial metabolism

Inhibition of glycolytic enzymes (e.g., enolase), disruption of bacterial cell membranes, competitive inhibition of carbohydrate transport via the phosphotransferase system, and reduction of extracellular polysaccharide synthesis by glucosyltransferases.