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. 2018 Jul 31;18(1):129.
doi: 10.1186/s12903-018-0595-2.

Are the mutans streptococci still considered relevant to understanding the microbial etiology of dental caries?

Jeffrey A Banas  1 , David R Drake  2
Affiliations

Are the mutans streptococci still considered relevant to understanding the microbial etiology of dental caries?

Jeffrey A Banas et al. BMC Oral Health. .

Abstract

The mutans streptococci were once the primary focus of research dedicated to understanding the etiology of dental caries. That focus has now shifted to an emphasis on the ecological balances and complexities within the entirety of the plaque microbiome. Within that framework there are considerable differences of opinion regarding the importance and relative contributions of the mutans streptococci. This article explores the basis for the various viewpoints, the limitations of current knowledge, and the confounders that make it difficult to arrive at a consensus.

Keywords: Dental caries; Etiology; Mutans streptococci.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors’ information

Both J.A.B. and D.R.D. each have over 25 years of research experience investigating the microbiology of dental caries.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable; no human subjects.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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