Secondary metabolites from Piper crocatum as natural inhibitors of oral pathogens: in vitro and in silico insights into Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans
Dental caries is a widespread infectious disease caused by complex interactions between microorganisms in oral biofilms. Streptococcus mutans plays a central role through acid production and glucan-mediated biofilm formation, while Candida albicans enhances biofilm stability and tissue damage. Their virulen...