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Dental caries is a unique multifactorial infectious disease. In recent years, the prevalence of dental caries in most western countries has steadily declined. By contrast study done in some developing countries such as Zambia, Nigeria, Thailand and Indonesia showed a marked increase in dental caries. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the most important agent of human caries. Cariogenic feature of these bacteria include synthesis intracellular polysaccharide, extracellular polysaccharide, lactic acid production and ability to survive at low pH levels. Potentially, caries can be reduced by interfering with transmission of S. mutans, eliminating, established S. mutans populations from the oral cavity, increasing the acid resistance of the teeth and control of the carbohydrate composition of the diet. Oral anti mutans vaccines have been demonstrated in the laboratory, the costs involved in the development for human are relatively high. Studies Strain replacement therapy is a great promise in implantation of benign oral microbial strain capable of successfully competing with S. mutans. |
