Streptococcus mutans: has it become prime perpetrator for oral manifestations?

Abstract

Human beings have indeed served as an incubator for a plethora of microorganisms and the prominence of oral microbiome from the context of the individual’s health and well being cannot be denied. The environmental parameters and other affiliated physical conditions decide the fate of the microorganism and one of the niches in humans that supports innumerable amount of microorganisms is the oral cavity which houses beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. However, majority of microorganism associated with humans are opportunistic pathogens which are otherwise referred to as facultative pathogens. This level of transformation in the microorganism depends upon the physical conditions of the oral cavity and personal hygiene maintained by the individual. The contemporary review tries to disclose the role of streptococcus mutans in dental clinical conditions. The current review focuses on the prominence of Streptococcus mutans and its influence on the oral cavity. The article attempts to comprehend the role of the bacteria in causing clinical oral manifestations which depends upon the ability of the organism to utilize the substrate. The review also encompasses features like molecular entities and they role in the breakdown of the substrates leading to the formation of acids which could in turn lead to demineralization which as a consequence can negatively influence the enamel quality.