An important cause of tooth decay by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans is because of their ability to attach to teeth surface by producing slime layer from

The correct answer is Sugar.

Key Points

• The ability of Streptococcus mutans to attach to the tooth surface and contribute to tooth decay is primarily due to their ability to produce a slime layer composed of polysaccharides.
  • This slime layer is often referred to as an extracellular polysaccharide matrix or biofilm.
  • The production of this biofilm helps the bacteria adhere to the tooth surface and form dental plaque.
  • The production of the slime layer is not explicitly mentioned, but it is associated with the metabolism of sugars. 

Additional Information

• When the pH of the mouth drops below 5.5, tooth decay begins.
  • Tooth enamel, made up of calcium phosphate, is the hardest substance in the body.
  • It does not dissolve in water but gets destroyed in the mouth when the pH is below 5.5.
  • Bacteria present in the mouth produce acid by breaking down the sugar and food particles left in the mouth after eating.