Much of the research into the oral health benefits of probiotics has focused on S. mutans, the main bacteria associated with tooth decay. Now these can be done with the help of ice creams also.

What is S. mutans

Streptococcus mutans is a Gram-positive bacterium that lives in the mouth. It can thrive in temperature ranging from 18-40 degrees Celsius. The bacterium metabolizes different kinds of carbohydrates, creating an acidic environment in the mouth as a result of this process. This acidic environment in the mouth is what causes the tooth decay. It is the leading cause of dental caries (tooth decay) worldwide. S. mutans is considered to be the most cariogenic of all of the oral Streptococci . S. mutans was first described by James Kilian Clarke after he isolated it from a carious lesion, but it was not until 1960s that real interest in this microbe was generated when researchers began studying dental caries.

Important for dental health research

S. mutans is very important to study, not only because virtually everyone in the world carries it, but also because it has various symptoms that affect our daily lives. As the bacteria develop in the mouth, they cause tooth destruction, impaired speech, difficulty chewing, multiple infections, psychological problems such as low self-esteem, poor social interactions, concentration problems, etc. Though not fatal, tooth decay is one of the most common infectious diseases in humans. Also, cavities caused by the bacteria are the reason for half of all dental visits in the U.S. Your comments and insight on this topic will be appreciated. Please share your comments to make awareness in dental health.

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