Re: cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth

Hi Tim,
	You ask a very interesting question.  I found this review in the 
current literature which may help answer your question.  Here is the 
abstract.  Your library may have this journal or may be able to order a copy 
of the article for you.

Dental caries is the most common infectious disease affecting humans. The 
principal causative agents are a group of streptococcal species collectively 
referred to as the mutans streptococci of which Streptococcus mutans and 
Streptococcus sobrinus are the most important agents of human caries. This 
review outlines what is currently known about these ubiquitous pathogens and 
discusses novel methods for elimination of these bacteria from dental 
plaque.

Aust Dent J 2000 Dec;45(4):235-45                                                               
Dental caries is a preventable infectious disease. Balakrishnan M, Simmonds 
RS, Tagg JR. Department of Oral Sciences and Orthodontics, University of 
Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

The American Dental Association also has a web site which answers many of 
your questions about dental hygiene. Try this page"http://www.ada.org/
public/topics/index.html"  Also in the ADA website are press releases about 
new research in the prevention of cavities, like a vaccine and chewing a 
particular type of gum.  Check it out!