title: [Streptococcus mutans and dental caries: microbiological aspects].
abstract: The central role of Streptococcus mutans in the pathogenesis of caries is universally recognized. In this article we discuss bacterial metabolism relevant to plaque formation and enamel destruction, and review current methods and new prospects in caries prophylaxis: the use of fluorine, possible substitutes for sucrose, active and passive immunoprophylaxis, teeth colonization with non-cariogenic strains of S. mutans. No one of these methods can be considered a definitive solution for every caries problem, but short term major achievements can be reasonably attained by ongoing field research.
authors: Istituto di Microbiologia, Università di Torino.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Zucca
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Cenna
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Berzioli
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Gariglio
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Fagnoni
mesh_terms: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000009:adverse effects; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism; D019344:Lactic Acid; D009055:Mouth / Q000382:microbiology; D009154:Mutation; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013395:Sucrose / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D007773:Lactates; D019344:Lactic Acid; D013395:Sucrose; D005459:Fluorides
vernacular_title: Streptococcus mutans e carie dentaria: aspetti microbiologici.