title: [The role of Streptococcus mutans in the oral biofilm].
abstract: Streptococcus mutans is one of the primary colonizers of the oral cavity. Carriage of the appropriate virulence factors - production of glucans, acid resistance, natural competence, and ability to form compact biofilm, confers a certain advantage to S. mutans over other primary colonizers. It is believed to be the main etiological agent of dental caries. Currently, dental caries seems to be a phenomenon related to the meta-bolic activity of bacteria in the oral biofilm with an impact not only on health but also on socio-economic outcome.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Legéňová
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bujdáková
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018441:Biofilms; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology*; D005936:Glucans / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005936:Glucans; D037521:Virulence Factors