Streptococcus mutans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Streptococcus mutans |
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| Stain of S. mutans in thioglycollate broth culture. | |
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Streptococcaceae
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S. mutans
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| Streptococcus mutans Clarke 1924
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Streptococcus mutans is a tiny living thing, a type of bacteria, that mostly lives in your mouth. It's known for being a main cause of tooth decay, also called cavities. This bacteria is very small and can only be seen with a microscope.
It's a "gram-positive" bacteria, which means it looks purple under a special stain in a lab. S. mutans likes to grow best in warm places, usually between 18 and 40 degrees Celsius. That's about the same temperature as your body! A scientist named Clarke first described this microbe in 1924.
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What is Streptococcus mutans?
Streptococcus mutans is a specific kind of bacteria. Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live all around us and even inside us. Some bacteria are helpful, but others can cause problems. S. mutans is one of the bacteria that can cause problems for your teeth.
It's part of a larger group of bacteria called Streptococcus. Many different types of Streptococcus bacteria exist. Some live in your throat, and others are found in your gut. S. mutans is special because it's very good at sticking to your teeth.
Where does S. mutans live?
This bacteria's favorite home is your mouth! It lives on the surfaces of your teeth, especially in the tiny grooves and cracks. It also likes to hide under your gums and on your tongue.
S. mutans is part of the natural community of microbes in your mouth, called the oral microbiome. While many different types of bacteria live there, S. mutans becomes a problem when it grows too much.
How does S. mutans cause cavities?
S. mutans causes cavities by turning sugars into acid. Here's how it works:
- When you eat sugary foods or drinks, S. mutans quickly eats those sugars.
- As it eats, it produces acids as a waste product.
- These acids are strong enough to slowly dissolve the hard outer layer of your teeth, called enamel.
- Over time, if the enamel keeps dissolving, a small hole forms. This hole is a cavity.
The bacteria also create a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. Plaque is like a cozy house for the bacteria, protecting them from your saliva and toothbrush. The acids get trapped in this plaque, making the damage to your teeth even worse.
Preventing cavities from S. mutans
Even though S. mutans is always in your mouth, you can prevent it from causing cavities.
- Brush your teeth often: Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and food bits. Fluoride also makes your enamel stronger against acid.
- Floss daily: Flossing cleans between your teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. This removes plaque and food that S. mutans loves.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks: The less sugar you eat, the less food S. mutans has to make acid.
- Visit the dentist: Regular check-ups and cleanings help remove plaque and catch small problems before they become big cavities.
By taking good care of your teeth, you can keep S. mutans from causing trouble and keep your smile healthy!
