Firm attachment of S mutans cells to teeth by means of extracellular glucans synthesized from sucrose that lead to colonization in vivo may proceed via two mechanisms: (1) directly, via preformed glucans associated with the cell or the teeth or both, or (2) via new glucan synthesis by cells that are initially weakly attached, irrespective of the presence of cell- or tooth-surface-associated glucans. Data from experiments with conventional rats suggest that new glucan synthesis is the principal attachment mechanism.
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