The article demostrates that feeding Streptococcus mutans a 0.5% fructose (with no sucrose) solution, acid is produced. The acid production is proven by a reduction in pH (the lower the pH, the stronger the acid). The acid produced by Streptococcus mutans is lactic acid. This article is one of many that discusses the role of Streptococcus mutans. It is worth noting that some of the discussion is about sucrose consumption and affect on plaque pH. Sucrose has a similar effect to fructise that it results in loweing of pH/acid production.
Plaque itself does not cause tooth decay, but it is the bateria/micripobes within this plaque which produce acids. These acids cause the corrosion/dissolving of tooth emanel leading to decay.
Plaque is a matrix of saliva, polysaccharides, bacteria and food residues (left in the mouth after eating). If one consumes a diet high in sugar (principally sucrose, fructose, glucose, lactose), this provides a feed source for tbe bacteria…leading to acid production.
Foods with low pH like citrus, soft drinks etc, can have the same effect in the long term. If these foods are also high in sugar, it may be a ‘double whammy’…the food acid impacting on the tooth enamel, along with acid production from bacteria within the oral cavity.
