Mutans streptococci and the development of dental plaque

Abstract

A study of dental plaque was first documented in the literature of the 17th century. It has been described as a biofilm composed of bacterial populations living in a plaque matrix. The plaque development starts short time after a tooth surface is cleaned and covered by salivary proteins and glycoproteins conditioning film. Mutans streptococci was described as the most important bacteria related to the etiology of dental caries. This bacteria has the basic properties of cariogenicity required in the dental caries process. Current studies have suggested that the behaviour of the oral microflora, with all its components, should be the aim of future understanding of the process of dental caries. The aim of this paper is to review literature about initiation and development of dental plaque and the influence of mutans streptococci in the dental caries.