Stephoccocus Mutans Research Paper

Improved Essays
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

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    Dry Mouth Research Paper

    • 1137 Words
    • 5 Pages

    So what kind of bacteria’s are responsible for tooth decay? Well, According to Sigmund Socransky, who is a clinical professor of periodontology at Harvard, there are 600-plus types of bacteria living in our mouth and some of them actively produce toxins to kill the pathogens. Most of the bacteria’s are harmless, some bacteria’s are probiotics and some bacteria aid in the digestion of food. So there are both good and bad bacteria’s in our mouth. Streptococcus mutans is one of the harmful bacteria which is responsible for tooth decay.…

    • 1137 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The results show that the detergent is the most effective disinfectant out of ethanol, anticeptic, detergent and antibacterial. The hypothesis states “that if ethanol is used as a disinfectant on bacteria, it will be the most effective whereas an antibacterial will be the least effective” which is not supported by the results for the most effective disinfectant. It was hypothesised that antibacterial would be the least effective which is supported in the average results. What was found interesting in the data is the difference of area for disinfectants in each of the tests, which may be due to the bacteria spread or an error that had occurred. It is logical for detergent to be such an adequate and powerful disinfectant as it is used for cleaning tableware (bowls, plates, knives, forks, cups etc.) and is important for it to have strength so it can remove all leftover food and bacteria from the dishes.…

    • 453 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    Pulp infection and necrosis leads to a rapid severe localised inflammatory reaction, which destroys periapical tissues. The pain is spontaneous and of rapid onset. The affected tooth is extremely painful to percussion and palpation, with possible mobility. Due to necrosis of the pulp there is no pulp vitality. Pus formation is present and swelling of the tissues.…

    • 1168 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Scotland's Oral Health

    • 1096 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The focus of this essay is to critically analyse and evaluate one aspect of Scotland’s Dentistry and oral health policy (2005) particular attention will be given to children’s oral health and how this policy was implemented into practice. McMahon et al. (2011) explains that dental decay is an almost a completely preventable condition, however dental caries remains one of the world 's most prevalent diseases in childhood. The typical Scottish diet is high in sugar and contributes to well over the recommended daily amount for children (Barton and Wrieden 2012) high sugar consumption in the form of non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES) is one of the several risk factors that have been identified in the development of dental cavities, along with insufficient…

    • 1096 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Pyogenes

    • 402 Words
    • 2 Pages

    A range of bacterial communities including commensals and pathogens colonize nasopharynx. The pharyngeal inhabitant Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus (GAS)) an adapted human pathogen is a common colonizer of mucous of the mouth, nose and pharynx, is among the many pathogens that most often colonize their host asymptomatically and only occasionally cause disease. Local pharyngeal infection of GAS is manifested as pharyngitis and spread from the local site can cause the systemic diseases sepsis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis (1). S. pyogenes produce a wide array of virulence factors enabling it to adhere, invade and spread within the human host (2). One of the characteristic features of S. pyogenes is…

    • 402 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Water snakes are sometimes are poisonous. Water moccasin‘s are you might recognize the name cottonmouth it is another name for water moccasin. They live in cape Charles, Virginia, to the middle Alabama boundary, then to southern Illinois, to the Pecos River to the Rio Grande meet Texas. Water moccasin can be seen sunning but mostly active at night they reach almost 4 feet long but end up almost 6 feet. If the snake is dark greenish type color.…

    • 289 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Protests about saving the earth is all over the internet if searched, and recycling is most often always reinforced in public school across America as well as the idea of wasting the things we’re ever so blessed to obtain. However, within the big picture of what could result from global warming, ocean acidification, and all other world-polluting occurrences, the measurement and discovery about what has already resulted is not as publicized… at least not in regards to the backbone of all organisms -- ex: blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus), and the repercussions that ripple upon all those whom rely on blue mussels as a resource to live. Blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus), are commonly found in the mid intertidal zone of rocky shore lines in Alaska…

    • 762 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Diabetes Diabetes and oral diseases are very closely related. In fact, an alarming ninety three percent of diabetic individuals in the United States also have periodontal disease, according to Sindelar (2013, p. 56). Moreover, diabetes and periodontal disease have a bi-directional relationship; as in diabetes can have a negative effect on periodontal disease just as periodontal disease can negatively affect diabetes. Therefore, maintaining oral health and practicing good oral hygiene is extremely important for individuals with diabetes, to avoid complications with either disease.…

    • 1622 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Great Essays

    Benefits Of Chewing Gum

    • 1878 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Saliva plays a significant role in the mouth, it keeps teeth clean and helps strengthen the enamel because it contains phosphate and calcium. Salivary stimulation stops right after food is swallowed and does not start back up for about five minutes; this time is crucial. PH levels fall and teeth become endangered. “Saliva is normally secreted continuously at about five hundred milliliters per day but can be stimulated by mastication. Chewing a sugar free gum can increase the initial salivary flow rate by a factor of ten” (citation.)…

    • 1878 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Dental Fluorosis

    • 1099 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, which it has to be to endure the biting forces of everyday mastication and clenching that people often put their teeth through. Enamel is the outer layer on the crown of the tooth which give the teeth that is esthetically pleasing to the eye. However, enamel is not able to replenish itself so once it is gone there is no way for the body to regenerate more. A 12-year-old female girl has new molars coming in and the appearance of them is a yellowish-brown color with white specks, the parent is concerned that something may be wrong because they do not look like any of the other teeth within the girl’s mouth. Due to the coloring of the crowns, and the age of the girl dental fluorosis could be the possible…

    • 1099 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The field of health is important, when we are diagnosed by any condition first thing we do is look all our options get the best treatment so we can heal as soon as possible. I wonder why we cannot practice a good oral health. A cavity is a condition and must give the same importance as any other part of our body, "health begins in our mouth. " I invite you to understand the wonderful world of your teeth, it's as simple as educating ourselves and know the route to maintain a good oral health for us and our family. When I was little, I use to hate the my dentist, as soon I recognized the sidewalk area of my dentist office I was already crying,…

    • 1048 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    The bacteria that causes tooth decay lives in plaque, which is the organic white or yellow material that sticks to teeth. These bacteria live off the sugar that is ingested through a daily diet. When the bacteria are living off the sugar, an acid is produced, which begins to demineralize the tooth enamel and causes tooth decay (Feldman). A quote from Peter L. Platterborze also explains “Fluoride directly inhibits this bacterial process and thus maintain higher pH levels in the mouth.” The higher the pH level, the more basic the solution.…

    • 1693 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Mutans In Children

    • 680 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Berkowitz and Jones 1985; and Li and Caufield 1995 suggested that oral micro flora consist of numerous different species and genera. The colonization of the oral cavity starts at birth, and the mother is considered to be the principle source. The natural history of S. mutans colonization from newborns through childhood has been previously studied by Kohler et. al, 2003; and Li and Caufield et.…

    • 680 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Dental plaque is a diverse microbial community that forms on the surface of your teeth and is embedded in a matrix of polymers that originates from bacteria and saliva. Plaque develops when foods that contain carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches, are frequently left on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods such as milk, soft drinks, raisins, desserts, or candy, these foods can combine with the natural bacteria in your mouth and create an acid. This acid then combines with saliva and old food particles to form a layer of plaque. (Saini) This phenomenon is a perfect example of a microbial…

    • 834 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Dental Toothpaste Analysis

    • 1395 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Dental caries, or cavities as we more commonly know them as, is the erosion of the teeth due to bacteria. The prevalence of dental caries has risen over the past few years, and now affects between 60-90% of schoolchildren and a large number of adults in the population (Harding & O’Mullane, 2013). This is a significant number of the public that is affected by this condition. In the United States, this is the most common chronic disease affecting young children, and if it does untreated it can lead to pain and infections (Harding & O’Mullane, 2013). For a problem this big, it’s thought that the most effective way to treat it would be a widespread type of intervention, in the form of water fluoridation.…

    • 1395 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays