B RA D E N H A L L

STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS (CAVITIES)

WHAT IS IT?

• Streptococcus mutans is a coccus shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the human oral cavity and is a significant contributor to tooth decay. It was first discovered in 1924. Oral streptococci has both harmless and harmful bacteria.

HOW DOES IT ENTER YOUR BODY?

• Streptococcus mutans actually lives in the mouth all the time.• Only dangerous if you don’t practice good oral

hygiene

WHO ARE THE COMMON VICTIMS?

• Everyone is a victim to Streptococcus mutans• Even some people who brush their teeth 2-3

times a day can get cavities• Streptococcus mutans is always living in you

mouth.

WHERE IS IT MOST LIKELY FOUND?

• Streptococcus mutans is only found in the mouth• The bacteria likes to stay in the small cracks

inside your teeth

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON INJURY?

• The most common injury you get from Streptococcus mutans is a cavity.• If the cavity is deep enough, you may need a root

canal.

HOW DANGEROUS IS IT?

• Streptococcus mutans itself isn’t dangerous• If you have good oral hygiene, you should be safe

from the harmful effects of Streptococcus mutans.• On a scale of 1-10, 0 being completely safe, and

10 being deadly, Streptococcus mutans would be a 2.

NUMBER OF VICTIMS?

• Streptococcus mutans affects almost everyone in the world. • In a recent study, by the age 39, 89.7% of people

will have had at least one tooth affected by decay.

HOW DO I PREVENT IT?

• The best way to prevent the harmful effects of Streptococcus mutans is to:• Brush your teeth a few times daily• Floss daily• And do what your dentist tells you to do.