Microbe Monday: Streptococcus gordonii

Today we’re talking about Streptococcus gordonii. Here’s 3 things you should know.

1. S. gordonii is one of the earliest colonizers of the oral microbiome, and expresses proteins that help it bind very strongly to the surface of teeth. This allows it to physically prevent pathogenic species from colonizing teeth and causing cavities.
2. S. gordonii can produce hydrogen peroxide, and is also immune to hydrogen peroxide! This allows it to kill other potentially pathogenic species in the oral microbiome.
3. S .gordonii creates a pathway called the arginine deiminase pathway which can help prevent cavities. This pathway breaks down arginine into ammonia, which increases pH and prevents demineralization of enamel.

However, not everybody has S gordonii in their oral microbiome, but people who have it may benefit more from arginine containing-toothpastes and chews!