The role of streptococci in the pathogenesis of diseases of the dental system

Streptococci are spherical or ovoid asporogenic Gram-positive chemoorganotrophic facultative anaerobic bacteria from the Streptococcaceae family. They can cause diseases of the dental system (gingivitis, stomatitis, pulpitis, caries) and local inflammatory processes localized in various organs and systems of the body (skin, joints, heart, urinary, respiratory systems). Streptococci of the oral cavity differ from each other in their ability to ferment carbohydrates and form numerous virulence factors.