How does Streptococcus mutans contribute to dental caries?
S. mutans metabolizes dietary sugars to produce lactic acid, which demineralizes tooth enamel. The acidogenicity and aciduricity of S. mutans allow it to thrive in acidic environments, exacerbating tooth decay. The production of acid is a biochemical process that can be explored from a toxicological perspective, as chronic exposure to low pH can lead to oral tissue damage.
