International Research Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Volume - 2, Issue- 6 (June 2015) IF- 2.818 ISSN: (2349-4077) A Monthly Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International e-Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories International Research Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences (IRJNAS) Website: www.aarf.asia . Email: editoraarf@gmail.com , editor@aarf.asia Page 42 EFFICACY OF VARIOUS TOOTHPASTES USED IN KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA AGAINST DENTAL CARIES CAUSING STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS Yousuf A Ali, Associate Professor, College of Applied Medical Sciences, jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ahmed Abdulhaq, Assistant Professor and Vice-Dean College of Applied Medical Sciences, jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Noha E Eldin, Lecturer (Microbiology) College of Applied Medical Sciences, jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Shah Alam, Lecturer (Microbiology) College of Applied Medical Sciences, jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ABSTRACT One of the most important part of the body is the mouth, where the digestion process begins. For this the individual should have the healthy teeth structure to masticate the food properly to help digestion. The teeth are the toughest part of the body and cannot be destroyed easily. However there are bacteria specially Streptococcus mutans which is most important caries causing organism which can cause dental decay. Streptococcus mutans secrete dextran a complex polysaccharide which sticks to the smooth surfaces of gums and invite other bacteria viz Lactobacillus spp., Veillonella spp. and Actinomyces spp to form dental plaque. The acid secretion in this microenvironment leads to decay of tooth. Once the tooth is decayed it is