Research on the prevention of tooth demineralization and the effects and mechanisms of different mineralization solutions on the metabolism of Streptococcus mutans

New substances were observed adhering to tooth surfaces by SEM; surfaces treated with zinc and Sr solutions were the roughest. Elemental proportion analysis indicated zinc had the highest adhesion potential, while Sr had the lowest. Newly formed substances included fluorapatite, magnesium hydroxide, and phosphate complexes. All experimental groups demonstrated improved acid resistance and good wear resistance. Sr treatment rendered tooth surfaces more hydrophilic and increased bacterial adhesion. All experimental groups inhibited acid production by <i>S. mutans</i>, particularly the fluoride group. Antibacterial tests indicated fluoride and zinc had the strongest antibacterial effects. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that the primary signaling pathways influenced by these substances were related to bacterial antibiotic formation and acid-salt metabolism. Metabolite analysis showed that experimental groups significantly inhibited the formation of acidic amino acids and organic acids, with fluoride exhibiting the most notable effect. RT-PCR results indicated experimental groups suppressed transcription of the glycolysis-related bacterial gene <i>ldh</i>, most notably fluoride. Additionally, transcription of bacterial adhesion genes decreased across experimental groups, with Sr markedly inhibiting <i>spaP</i> expression.