The potential therapeutic effect of quinic acid evaluated by global gene expression of Streptococcus mutans, the etiological agent of dental caries

Dental caries is a costly and widespread disease that leads to dental damage and, finally, to tooth loss. Oral hygiene and fluoride administration are commonly applied to prevent caries lesion formation, however, several research lines on methods or substances inhibiting caries development are still in progress. In recent years, as the attention towards natural compounds is increased in the consumers, several studies have been conducted in order to confirm the beneficial effects that food/beverage components, especially polyphenols, exert on the oral health. The aim of this doctoral thesis was to study the effects of quinic acid (QA) (a polyphenol compound) on global gene expression of S. mutans, the etiological agent of human dental caries.