Air restriction enhances Streptococcus mutans cariogenicity via preferential lactose metabolism.

Key Points

• The aim is to investigate how air restriction affects the cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans through lactose metabolism.
• Examined the impact of air restriction on Streptococcus mutans in controlled conditions.
• Analyzed changes in virulence factors related to lactose metabolism.
• Air restriction significantly increased the cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans.
• Lactose metabolism was identified as a critical virulence factor, leading to higher pathogenicity.