Factors Associated with Streptococcus mutans Pathogenicity in the Oral Cavity

Abstract

Oral streptococci are the oral microbial flora that can cause biofilm formation. One of the most common isolated oral streptococci is Streptococcus mutans, which has a significant role in oral diseases, including periodontal. The most important factor of S. mutans pathogenesis includes biofilm formation that leads to emptying tooth enamel and caries. Various genes including atpF, gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, gtf, LuxS, comAB, comCDE, and comX regulate biofilm formation. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to investigate factors that influence S. mutans pathogenicity in the mouth. The main factors are related to the biofilm formation of this bacteria and metabolic products, which influence environmental changes by carbohydrate metabolism and help this pathogen to make dominant growth compared to other bacteria living in the oral cavity. Indeed, developing methods to inhibit biofilm formation and quorum sensing using antimicrobial agents with anti-biofilm and antibacterial properties should be considered based on our knowledge of the pathogenicity mechanisms of S.mutans.