Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Streptococcus mutans is a key organism in the development of dental caries, and its cariogenicity is primarily attributed to its ability to synthesize glucans. These glucans are polysaccharides formed from the fermentation of sugars, notably sucrose, and play a crucial role in the formation of dental biofilm (plaque).

The glucans produced by Streptococcus mutans contribute to cariogenicity in several ways. They help the organism adhere to tooth surfaces, providing a stable environment for bacterial colonization. The presence of glucans also enhances the accumulation of other bacteria within the biofilm, creating a more complex community that is more resistant to mechanical removal and antimicrobial agents. This thickened biofilm can lead to localized demineralization of tooth enamel, which is characteristic of carious lesions.

While other options such as fructans, levans, and sucrose are related to the overall process of dental caries, they either serve as substrates for bacterial growth or are less directly involved in the adherence and structural stability of the biofilm compared to glucans. Sucrose, for instance, is an important dietary sugar that is used by Strep. mutans to produce glucans, but the direct role in caries