Logo Medical Science Monitor

Call: +1.631.470.9640
Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 02:00 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor

01 November 2007

Dental caries: From infection to prevention

Barira Islam, Shahper N Khan, Asad U Khan

Med Sci Monit 2007; 13(11): RA196-203 :: ID: 512939

Abstract

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent diseases in humans, second only to the common cold. It causes irreversible damage to the grinding machinery involved in the intake of food and hence causes great distress. The changes in the homeostasis of the oral cavity with an overgrowth of Streptococcus mutans is recognized as the primary cause of the disease. Most treatments are now aimed at either elimination of this bacterium or suppression of its virulence. S. mutans strongly adheres and releases acids by the fermentation of carbohydrates, leading to the demineralization of the tooth. This attachment is mediated mostly by the interaction of surface proteins and bacterial polysaccharides. Ambiguities in the basic treatment of dental caries, such as the use of fluoride and antibiotics, vitalize the deployment of probiotic therapies for its cure. The growing research in herbal treatments has led to the discovery of various phytochemicals to limit the virulence of S. mutans. This review focuses on the properties of S. mutans in cariogenicity and outlines ways to combat dental caries.

Keywords: Bacterial Adhesion, Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology, Bacterial Vaccines - pharmacology, Bacteriocins - metabolism, Biofilms - growth & development, Dental Caries - therapy, Fluorides - administration & dosage, herbal medicine, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Oral Hygiene, Polysaccharides, Bacterial - metabolism, Probiotics, Streptococcal Infections - prevention & control, Streptococcus mutans - physiology, Virulence

Add Comment 0 Comments

1141 124

Editorial

01 June 2023 : Editorial  

Editorial: Infectious Disease Surveillance Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its Role in Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness

Dinah V. Parums
Science Editor, Medical Science Monitor, International Scientific Information, Inc., Melville, NY, USA

DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941209

Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e941209

0:00

In Press

05 Jun 2023 : Clinical Research  

Comparison of Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging with White Light Imaging in 52 Patients with Short-Segm...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940249  

05 Jun 2023 : Laboratory Research  

Comparison of Composite Resin (Duo-Shade) Shade Guide with Vita Ceramic Shades Before and After Chemical an...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940949  

02 Jun 2023 : Database Analysis  

The COVID-19 Crisis and the Incidence of Alcohol-Related Deaths in Poland

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940904  

01 Jun 2023 : Clinical Research  

Root Canal Numbers and Configurations in 1080 Permanent Canine Teeth in 270 Saudi Subjects Using Cone-Beam ...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940472  

Most Viewed Current Articles

13 Nov 2021 : Clinical Research  

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Attending the Oncology ...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.932788

Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e932788

0:00

30 Dec 2021 : Clinical Research  

Retrospective Study of Outcomes and Hospitalization Rates of Patients in Italy with a Confirmed Diagnosis o...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.935379

Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e935379

08 Mar 2022 : Review article  

A Review of the Potential Roles of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacological Approaches for the Man...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.936292

Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e936292

01 Jan 2022 : Editorial  

Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952

Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750
Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750