Stephoccocus Mutans Research Paper

Stephoccocus Mutans
Steptococcus mutans occurs in the pits, cervices, and fissures of the teeth. S. mutans is a specials of biofilm gram positive rod shaped bacteria that is commonly found in the oral cavity. The oral cavity is considered the “ideal environment” for the growth of microorganisms because it’s warm, moist and contains a constant flow of nutrients through saliva and food consumption (Loesche 1986). S. mutans generally consists of around thirty to sixty percent of all the bacteria in the oral cavity, attaching to the surfaces of the teeth. When we consume sugars the pH in our mouths drop and increases the activity of S. Mutans. Studies have shown that access to sugars can have dramatic effect on our oral cavity. For example, Inuit families that follow cultural traditional (low-sucrose) diets had many fewer cavities than wealthier Inuit families who could afford Western foods (Mayhall, Dahlberg et al. 1970). The longer the tooth decay goes untreated the more expensive the treatment will become; furthermore, causing more pain around the tooth and jaw. Every person has bacteria in their oral cavity, the only way to prevent S. Mutan from destroying your enamel is the practice good oral hygiene and diet. …show more content…
Mutans begin with an abnormal white spot on the surface of the tooth. The abnormal white spot on the tooth is a sign demineralization of the enamel is starting to develop(S Baron 1996). They feed off of inorganic sugars producing lactic acid that destroys tooth enamel. Eventually, if untreated the tooth will further demineralize and turn brown resulting in a cavity. The tooth will become extremely sensitive to hot and cold