Image Based Question – 65821

A diabetic patient ,also taking Anti-depressant medicines presented with a teeth condition as shown in the figure.Which is the most likely infecting organism for this condition?

A. Streptococcus pyogenes.

B. Streptococcus mutans.

C. Enterococcus.

D. H. influenzae.

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Correct Answer » B Explanation

Ans:B. Streptococcus mutans.

The patient in the question is suffering from dental caries.

Tooth decay

• Also known as dental caries, cavities, or caries, is a breakdown of teeth due to activities of bacteria.

• The cause of caries is bacterial breakdown of the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel, dentin and cementum).

• This occurs due to acid made from food debris or sugar on the tooth surface. Simple sugars in food are these bacteria’s primary energy source.

• Since diabetics have a higher concentration of sugar in their saliva, they are more susceptible to tooth decay.

• Risk factors include conditions that result in less saliva such as: Sjogren’s syndrome and some medications that decrease saliva production like antihistamines and antidepressants.

• The most common bacteria associated with dental cavities are the mutans streptococci, most prominently Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, and lactobacilli.