Is S. mutans sensitive to hydrogen peroxide?

Is S. mutans sensitive to hydrogen peroxide?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Unknown

Answer: (A)

Hydrogen peroxide acts as an antimicrobial in the mouth by generating reactive oxygen species that damage cellular components. Streptococcus mutans is typically catalase-negative, meaning it lacks the enzyme that detoxifies hydrogen peroxide by breaking it down into water and oxygen. Because it cannot efficiently neutralize H2O2, S. mutans is more vulnerable to oxidative stress. In dental plaque, oxygen-using commensals like Streptococcus sanguinis can produce hydrogen peroxide, which helps keep S. mutans in check. This interspecies interaction underscores why S. mutans is considered sensitive to hydrogen peroxide. So, the statement is true: Streptococcus mutans is sensitive to hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide acts as an antimicrobial in the mouth by generating reactive oxygen species that damage cellular components. Streptococcus mutans is typically catalase-negative, meaning it lacks the enzyme that detoxifies hydrogen peroxide by breaking it down into water and oxygen. Because it cannot efficiently neutralize H2O2, S. mutans is more vulnerable to oxidative stress.

In dental plaque, oxygen-using commensals like Streptococcus sanguinis can produce hydrogen peroxide, which helps keep S. mutans in check. This interspecies interaction underscores why S. mutans is considered sensitive to hydrogen peroxide.

So, the statement is true: Streptococcus mutans is sensitive to hydrogen peroxide.