抄録
Streptococcus mutans is strongly implicated in the development of dental caries in experimental animals as well as in humans. This organism produces glucosyltransferases, which catalyze the synthesis of water-soluble and -insoluble glucan from sucrose. Glucan synthesis promotes the adherence of S. mutans to smooth surfaces, including those of teeth. Furthermore, S. mutans produces acids from a wide variety of sugars leading to localized decalcification (erosion) of the enamel surface. Among many sugars, sucrose has been shown to induce the highest level of dental caries in animal model systems. Therefore, a logical approach to prevent dental caries is to restrict sucrose consumption by substituting non- or anti-cariogenic sweetening sugars in foods. Panose, 4-α-D-isomaltopyranosyl-D-glucose, and palatinose, α-D-glucopyranosyl-1, 6-D-fructofuranose, have been shown to inhibit water-insoluble glucan synthesis from sucrose by S, mutans glucosyltransferases. Both sugars are practically non-fermentable by many oral bacterial species including S, mutans. This review describes caries control measures based on dietary approaches.
