Factors Affecting Glycogen Storage in Oral Bacteria

Additionally, acidic proline rich proteins (aPRP's) are present in the saliva and bind to teeth, forming the dental pellicle, which prevent or reduce bacterial adherence to tooth structures. Saliva also consists of several proteins that help fight cariogenic bacteria. Non-immunoglobulin A (NIA) and mucins clump native oral bacteria together so they can be swallowed and digested, aiding in immune defense and in preventing the attachment of potentially cariogenic bacteria to the saliva coated tooth surface. When salivary levels are low in the oral cavity, the bacteria have less saliva to digest before being able to bind to the tooth surface. With decreasing levels of saliva, fewer non-immunoglobulin A (NIA's) and mucins from submandibular and sublingual salivary secretions are present and their elastase inhibitory activity is lost.
             The presence of serum in "gingival crevicular exudates" facilitates initiation of caries formation. These exudates interfere with the activity of mucins and NIA's, aiding in the binding of bacteria to the tooth surface, especially when serum components of the gingival crevicular exudates are present. Such accumulations of crevicular fluid are more present near the gingival margins. Therefore, the serum pellicle would be much less likely to be present on the occlusal surfaces of teeth and more likely along the smooth gingival margins. However, sucrose is often ingested in the form of sticky candy and is forced into the pits and fissures of teeth via chewing. This may lead to increased formation of glucans via GTF on bacterial cell surfaces in this area and eventual decay. .
             There are two groups of bacteria responsible for dental caries: Mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli. Some of the most consequential Mutans streptococci species include Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus rattus, and Streptococcus cricetus. Mutans streptococci initiate approximately 95% of carious lesions because of their previously discussed glucosyltransferase activity, production of extracellular glucans in the presence of sucrose, and production of lactic acid sealed against the surface of the tooth.