Streptococcus mutans is a spherical, gram positive bacterium that ranges in diameter from 0.5 to 0.75 micrometers. It is a facultative anaerobe and is most often found in chains or pairs. Most members of the Streptococcus family are divided into four groups according to the type of antibody they contain. S. mutans, however, does not contain any of these antibodies.
The plaque that accumulates on human teeth is made up of many different kinds of bacteria. Among them is S. mutans, which is responsible for dental cavities. These bacteria ingest sugars and carbohydrates from food in the mouth and produce acid. The bulk of the tooth's enamel is made of calcium, which interacts with this acid to produce a cavity.
S. mutans was first isolated by J.K. Clark in 1924. Extensive studies on the microbe did not begin until the early 1960s, when it was linked to dental caries. The bacteria is thought to be spread from mother to child through direct contact, such as kissing, but this theory has not yet been proven.
Humans were battling S. mutans long before it was found to be the cause of cavities. Toothbrushes have been found dating back to ancient Egypt, and the ancient Romans used dental hygiene as part of their religious ceremonies.Today, there are several ways to combat S. mutans. The first is to brush and floss regularly. This removes the bacteria, as well as any bits of food they could eat and turn into acid. Fluoride treatments help to strengthen the tooth's enamel and make it more acid resistant. A company in Florida is soon going to begin tests with a new strain of genetically modified S. mutans strain that does not produce acid. They hope that the new strain will replace the old strain in the mouth and put an end to dental cavities. For now, though, brushing and fluoride are the best treatments.
*Disclaimer - This report was written by a student participaring in a microbiology course at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The accuracy of the contents of this report is not guaranteed and it is recommended that you seek additional sources of information to verify the contents.
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