A <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> retrospective: from oral pathogen to bacterial paradigm

From its discovery in the late 1800s to the present day, <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> research has been at the forefront of dental caries investigations, providing the foundation for our current understanding of the microbiological determinants of this disease. In addition, research on <i>S. mutans</i> has greatly advanced key areas of microbiology, establishing the organism as a notably useful model for understanding the biology of other streptococcal species, as well as Gram-positive bacteria more broadly. In this piece, we provide a retrospective of how <i>S. mutans</i> has served this dual role, highlighting specific areas that have benefited most from <i>S. mutans</i>-driven discoveries. We close by outlining emerging areas of <i>S. mutans</i> research that are likely to influence future breakthroughs in both oral health science and basic microbiology.