A Streptococcus mutans retrospective: from oral pathogen to bacterial paradigm

From its discovery in the late 1800s to the present day, Streptococcus mutans research has been at the forefront of dental caries investigations, providing the foundation for our current understanding of the microbiological determinants of this disease. In addition, research on S. mutans has greatly advanced key areas of microbiology, establishing the organism as a notably useful model for understanding the biology of other streptococcal species, as well as Gram-positive bacteria more broadly. In this piece, we provide a retrospective of how S. mutans has served this dual role, highlighting specific areas that have benefited most from S. mutans –driven discoveries. We close by outlining emerging areas of S. mutans research that are likely to influence future breakthroughs in both oral health science and basic microbiology.