Micro & Immunology · single question
Which bacteria are primarily associated with ENAMEL caries?
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Correct answer: A. Streptococcus mutans
✓ A) Streptococcus mutans is correct.
S. mutans is the principal organism responsible for INITIATION of enamel caries because: (1) it adheres to smooth enamel surfaces via glucans synthesized from sucrose; (2) it is highly acidogenic (produces lactic acid) and aciduric (survives in acid); (3) it produces glucosyltransferases that form the polysaccharide matrix of plaque. Lactobacillus is more important in DENTINAL caries progression (aciduric, colonizes established lesions). Actinomyces is associated with root surface/cervical caries.
S. mutans is the principal organism responsible for INITIATION of enamel caries because: (1) it adheres to smooth enamel surfaces via glucans synthesized from sucrose; (2) it is highly acidogenic (produces lactic acid) and aciduric (survives in acid); (3) it produces glucosyltransferases that form the polysaccharide matrix of plaque. Lactobacillus is more important in DENTINAL caries progression (aciduric, colonizes established lesions). Actinomyces is associated with root surface/cervical caries.
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