Fermentation characteristics of strains of Streptococcus mutans

Realization of the important role of Streptococcus mutans in the initiation of dental caries has resulted in extensive studies of all its biologic characteristics. The ultimate goal is to control or eliminate it from the oral cavity. One means of accomplishing this is to reduce or eliminate its carbohydrate source. This study reports those carbohydrates which Streptococcus mutans cannot metabolize.