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In streptococcus
S. mutans, belonging to the viridans species, inhabits the mouth and contributes to tooth decay. Among the lactic species, S. lactis and S. cremoris are used in commercial starters for the production of butter, cultured buttermilk, and certain cheeses.
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In bacteria: Capsules and slime layers
Streptococcus mutans, which causes dental caries, splits the sucrose in food and uses one of the sugars to build its capsule, which sticks tightly to the tooth. The bacteria that are trapped in the capsule use the other sugar to fuel their metabolism and produce…
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In nutritional disease: Tooth decay
…disease in which bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans, in the dental plaque metabolize simple sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates into acids that dissolve tooth enamel. Dental plaque (not to be confused with the lipid-containing plaque found in arteries) is a mass of bacteria and sticky polymers that shield the tooth from…
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