DO BIOFILME AO BIOCONTROLE: AVANÇOS NA COMPREENSÃO E PREVENÇÃO DA CÁRIE DENTÁRIA CAUSADA POR Streptococcus mutans

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.568162411111

• Palavras-chave: Biofilme dental, Streptococcus mutans, Terapias antimicrobianas

• Keywords: Dental biofilm, Streptococcus mutans, Antimicrobial therapies

• Abstract: Streptococcus mutans, a Gram-positive bacterium associated with dental caries, possesses virulence factors that promote the formation of acidic and resilient biofilms on dental enamel, intensifying demineralization and the progression of caries. Beyond impacting oral health, S. mutans can contribute to systemic diseases such as bacterial endocarditis. Conventional treatments, including fluoride and chlorhexidine, present limitations and side effects, driving the search for therapeutic alternatives that modulate the oral microbiome without harming beneficial bacteria. The application of remineralizing agents, probiotics, and selective antimicrobial peptides (STAMPs) shows promise in controlling S. mutans biofilm. Advances in biotechnology, including the development of experimental vaccines and specific antimicrobial molecules, are emerging as innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies. This integrative review examines the role of S. mutans in caries development, addressing both microbiological and clinical aspects, and suggests future research directions toward more selective and less invasive treatments for dental caries control.