+44 330 818 7254Li M. Y., Lai G. Y. and *Wang J.
It is well known that dental caries is mainly caused by acids from bacterial fermentation. Acidogenic bacteria, such as Mutans streptococcus and Lactobacilli, have been considered as major pathogenic factors of dental caries for a long time. Whereas various studies have shown that Non-mutans streptococci can adhere to dental hard tissues, and can secrete GTF enzyme and produce organic acids, which may implicate the cariogenic capability of theirs to destroy dental tissue. With theirs capabilities, non-mutans streptococci may be proposed to play a role in dental caries process, especially at the initial stage. We proposed that cariogenic microorganisms (especially Mutans streptococcus and Lactobacilli) or acid production by bacteria may affect the virulence properties of non-mutans streptococci (especially S. sanguinis), inducing an increase of the acid produce. Paying attention to the role of non-mutans streptococci in the progression of dental caries may advance the knowledge of pathology and etiology of caries and offer alternatives for the prevention and therapy of dental caries.
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