What is Streptococcus Mutans?
The bacterium S. mutans is the main contributor to tooth decay. S. mutans can grow under conditions that would kill other bacteria. S. mutans is found mostly on tooth surfaces. One tooth may have a large number of these bacteria, while the tooth next to it may have only a small number. The bacteria are most concentrated in the crevices, pits, and fissures that are a normal part of the teeth and surrounding structures.
