Cuantification of glycocalyx production in s. Mutans strains.

The cavities, affects in varying degrees to the tooth, varying from one individual to another and even between neighboring pieces. In this context, there are strains of S. mutans with higher virulence that hyper-producing glicocálix and lactic acid, which developed lesions more destructive.
The aim of this study was to determine whether production is higher in glycocalyx production in strains of S. mutans isolated from individuals with great destruction of teeth for cavities.
Strains of S. mutans were obtained from 30 patients with more than 2 tooth affected by decay (Si / Sta > 1.1) and 30 patients with less than 2 tooth affected by caries (Si / Sta <1.1). The production of glycocalyx was determined spectrophotometrically (O.D. 550 nm).
Results showed that 100% of the studied strains produced glycocalyx. The median rate of the group with Si / Sta > 1.1 was 0.65850 (interquartile range: 0,101) and for the group Si / Sta < 1.1, 0.5420 (interquartile range: 0,153). The test nonparametric Mann-Whitney states (with 95% confidence) showed that these values differ significantly between them.
We concluded that strains of S. mutans with high production of glycocalyx, were isolated from the oral cavity from individuals with great dental destruction.