Current Volume 9
Streptococcus Mutans and Dental Caries: Biofilm Formation, Virulence Mechanisms and Emerging Preventive Strategies
Abstract
Dental caries is one of the major chronic infectious diseases that continue to affect individuals worldwide in large numbers. The disease is closely related to various microorganisms that form biofilm on the surfaces of teeth, resulting in dental caries due to the metabolism of microorganisms present in dental plaque. Among these microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans is commonly associated with dental caries development, considering its virulence factors that enable it to adhere to tooth surfaces, synthesize exopolysaccharides, and metabolize carbohydrates to produce organic acids. These virulence factors enable S. mutans to dominate other microorganisms in dental plaque, resulting in dental caries through enamel demineralization in an acidic environment. Recent advances in microbiology have indicated that dental caries is a polymicrobial infection that is caused by imbalances in the ecological system of microorganisms in the mouth. Preventive measures that have been effective in controlling dental caries are fluoride therapy, antimicrobial agents, probiotics, and natural bioactive agents. This article focuses on the role of S. mutans in dental plaque biofilm development, its molecular pathogenesis, and recent advances in its prevention and control of dental caries.
Keywords
Dental Caries, Streptococcus Mutans, Dental Plaque, Biofilm, Antimicrobial Agents, Probiotics, Prevention.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Meenakshi Tewari, Komal Sharma "Streptococcus Mutans and Dental Caries: Biofilm Formation, Virulence Mechanisms and Emerging Preventive Strategies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 2375-2382 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719083
IEEE:
Meenakshi Tewari, Komal Sharma
"Streptococcus Mutans and Dental Caries: Biofilm Formation, Virulence Mechanisms and Emerging Preventive Strategies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719083
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
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