The role of Streptococcus mutans and pathogenesis in the oral cavity

The oral cavity is a complex environment system where certain bacteria coexist with human chemical compounds. However, changes in the natural structure of the bacteria may lead to the onset of oral disease, such as periodontitis and tooth decay. A number of different environments exist in the human oral cavity, colonized by more than 600 types of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including the teeth, gingival sulcus, hard and soft palates, and tonsils, but only a limited number of these types can cause tooth infection . The purpose from this study is an attempt to establish which characteristics associated with biofilm formation—virulence determinants of S. mutans—are responsible for the development of dental caries The review concluded the bacterial components that contribute to each of the major virulence properties and these are work together in the development of dental caries.