Microorganisms traditionally associated with coronal caries due to their degree of acidogenicity and aciduricity ought not to be overlooked as potential contributors to root caries. This is so because root surfaces have been suggested to be more vulnerable to acid attacks than enamel surfaces. Objectives:The aim of the present study was to investigate the cariogenic potential of the genotypes of S. mutans isolated from oral cavity of nine individuals presented coronal and root caries lesions. Methods: A total of 144 strains recovered dental plaque, tissues of these lesions and saliva samples were identified and included for using AP-PCR method. To determine of acids production, continuos measurements of the pH were made in regular and time intervals: 3, 6, 12 and 24 h of the cultures growth in (BHI) added of 5% of sucrose in an atmosphere of 10% CO2 at 37oC. Cell adherence to a glass surface was measured spectrophotometrically at 550 nm. Results: Results showed that the individuals harbored two to ten genotypes of S. mutans. There is no evidence of the existence of variability in the colonization of noncarious surfaces and carious lesions within the same individual for the S. mutans genotypes. The cariogenic potential of the microbiota presented in noncarious and carious coronal and root surfaces showed no significant differences.Conclusions: The conclusion of this study is that no particular genotype of S. mutans is uniquely associated with the initiation and progression of caries, and that root and coronal caries can develop in the presence of a broad spectrum of S. mutans clones. Supported by FAPESP (Process no: 00/03490-9; 00/06171-1).

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