date:Aug 23, 2012
alth centers onStreptococcus mutans, the main bacteria associated with tooth decay.S. mutansbinds to teeth via aggregation, said Lang, forming dental plaque. The bacteria then convert sugar to acid, which attacks the enamel of the teeth.
Dr Lang and her co-workers screened 700 Lactobacillus strains, and found six which could bind toS. mutans. Of these,Lactobacillus paracaseiwas found to aggregate best withS. mutans.
The bacteria work in the presence of saliva and in the presence of sugars, inc