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Streptococcus mutans
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Streptococcus mutans Illustration of Streptococcus mutans bacteria as linked, round purple cells forming chains on a textured, pinkish surface representing tissue in the mouth.
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Streptococcus mutans

bacterium
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Streptococcus mutans
Streptococcus mutans The bacterium Streptococcus mutans is an example of a spherical (coccus) bacterium. This species of bacteria commonly aggregates into pairs and short chains.

Streptococcus mutans is a species of bacteria found in the human mouth that contributes to tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth, including S. mutans, are thought to produce acids from ingested sugars and carbohydrates, which can damage tooth enamel. This process is a localized disease of the tooth known as caries. Streptococcus bacteria are generally spherical and characterized by their gram-positive nature and tendency to group in chains. While some Streptococcus species cause disease, others are important in food production, such as in the manufacture of cultured dairy products.12

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  1. caries
  2. streptococcus

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