Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus mutans and Related Bacteria

Junko Nishimura, Tadao Saito, Hiroshi Yoneyama, Lan Lan Bai, Kazuhiko Okumura, Emiko Isogai

Department of Oral Surgery, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan.
Laboratory of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
Laboratory of Animal Products Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/aim.2012.23025                

Abstract

Caries is a disease of human dentition characterized by the loss of mineralized surfaces of the tooth; it is an infectious disease of the oral cavity in which biofilms play a causative role. Control of biofilms has traditionally relied on non-specific removal of plaque by mechanical means such as brushing, although it is difficult to remove biofilms by this method. Caries is also a widespread infection in children. Streptococcus mutans and S. sobrinus are important causative agents of caries. They produce a homologous exocellular polysaccharide called glucan, which strongly adheres to the enamel surface. This is a review of oral microbial biofilm formation by S. mutans and other related bacteria.

Keywords

Caries; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus sobrinus; Biofilm; Exocellular Polysaccharide; Glucan; Glucosyltransferase

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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