What bacteria are commonly involved in dental caries?

Streptococcus mutans is a key player in the development of dental caries, commonly known as cavities. This bacterium is particularly adept at colonizing the dental plaque that forms on teeth, where it thrives in the presence of sucrose (sugar). S. mutans metabolizes sugar to produce lactic acid, which contributes to the demineralization of tooth enamel. The acid environment created by this process depletes the minerals in enamel, leading to carious lesions if not managed by oral hygiene.

While Lactobacillus species also contribute to caries progression, especially in deeper cavities due to their ability to ferment sugars and produce acid, they are not the primary initiators of the carious process. Escherichia coli is primarily associated with gastrointestinal infections and is not a significant contributor to dental caries. Enterococcus faecalis is more commonly associated with endodontic infections and is not typically involved in dental caries. Thus, the predominant role of Streptococcus mutans in the initiation and development of dental caries solidifies its classification as the correct answer in this context.