TITLE:
Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus mutans and Related Bacteria
AUTHORS:
Junko Nishimura, Tadao Saito, Hiroshi Yoneyama, Lan Lan Bai, Kazuhiko Okumura, Emiko Isogai
KEYWORDS:
Caries; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus sobrinus; Biofilm; Exocellular Polysaccharide; Glucan; Glucosyltransferase
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Microbiology,
Vol.2 No.3,
September
24,
2012
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.