Final answer:
The important virulence factor for dental caries is polysaccharide adhesion, specifically referring to the ability of Streptococcus mutans to form biofilms on teeth that lead to cavity formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The important virulence factor for dental caries is polysaccharide adhesion. Streptococcus mutans is a pathogen associated with the development of dental caries and is known for producing biofilms in plaque. These biofilms are intricate communities of bacteria adhering to each other and to surfaces, like teeth, via various substances, including polysaccharides.
The polysaccharides synthesized by S. mutans facilitate adhesion to teeth and contribute to the establishment and maintenance of biofilms, playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of dental caries. A hallmark of S. mutans is its ability to metabolize sugars into acids, leading to tooth enamel demineralization which is the main cause of cavity formation.