C

Cariogenic streptococci such as Streptococcus mutans synthesize sticky extracellular polysaccharides (water-insoluble glucans) from sucrose; these glucans coat both the bacterial surface and the enamel pellicle, providing the specific adhesion mechanism that allows the bacteria to colonize tooth surfaces and initiate plaque and caries formation [Schilling & Bowen, 1992, PMID 1530843; Rölla et al., 1985, PMID 3159073].