Download Streptococcus Mutans (cavities)

STREPTOCOCCUS
MUTANS (CAVITIES)
BRADEN HALL
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.