Resumo

OJEDA-GARCES, Juan Carlos; OVIEDO-GARCIA, Eliana  e  SALAS, Luis Andrés. Streptococcus mutans and dental caries. CES odontol. [online]. 2013, vol.26, n.1, pp.44-56. ISSN 0120-971X.

Streptococcus mutans is one of cariogenic microorganisms associated with tooth decay. According with the hypothesis of the ecological plaque, dental caries is the consequence of changes in the natural balance in the dental plaque microflora (oral microbial homeostasis). Its role in the colonization of dental tissues, implantation and interaction with other microorganisms is of paramount importance for the understanding of the dynamics of dental biofilms. By means of molecular biology techniques, there have been advances in the identification of the different types that live in the oral cavity, the products they produce which are critical for its implantation, the interaction with other species and the development of new procedures that help its identification as one of the most important agents in dental caries. This review examines the latest advances in the biology of Streptococcus mutans, its role in the genesis of the caries and the identification and study techniques most used in recent years.

Palavras-chave : Streptococcus mutans; Dental caries; Biofilm; PCR.

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