Microbiology of dental caries

Abstract

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of people worldwide. The disease process may involve enamel, dentin and cement, causing decalcification of these tissues and disintegration of the organic substances. It is believed that bacteria of the species Streptococcus mutans is the main factor that initiates caries, and the bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus are important in further caries development, especially in the dentin. Caries can also be caused by other bacteria, including members of the mitis, anginosus and salivarius groups of streptococci, Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces naeslundii, A. viscosus, Rothia dentocariosa, Propionibacterium, Prevotella, Veillonella, Bifidobacterium and Scardovia.