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.