Isolation and genetic characterization of mutans streptococci associated with dental caries in rural field practice of a dental institution: In vivo study

Streptococcus mutans is well-known causative microorganism in the development of dental caries because they drop the plaque pH and produce acids from carbohydrates and survive in the acidic environment. It is now evident that knowledge of the bacteria enforces empirical approach to therapy, then specific antimicrobial therapy that might allow more conservative treatment options. Over the past few decades, there has been a remarkable increase in the prevalence rate of dental caries among children and the elders. Genotypic methods help in the detection and manipulation of nucleic acids which allows microbial genes to be examined directly.