Abstract

 

Dental researchers have attempted to understand the microbial nature of oral disease over the past 120 years. Microorganisms organized in biofilms are the leading cause of dental diseases. Bacterial biofilm have been found to develop on root surfaces outside the apical foramen and to be associated with refractory periapical periodontitis. The early colonizers of dental plaque are of great importance in the succession stages of biofilm formation and its overall effect on the oral health of the host. Cell-to-cell and genome-to-genome interactions begin the process of building a multispecies biofilm community otherwise known as plaque. Orthodontic bonding materials can also have an effect on dental plaque accumulation and composition. Just as well, the contamination of dental unit water lines (DUWL) is an emerging concern in dentistry due to the build up of biofilm in these units. Unlike other ecosystems, the composition of the oral cavity does not appear to be heavily influenced by interactions between bacteriophages and their hosts. A bacteriophage for control of oral infections may need to be obtained from other sources. Antibacterial substances derived from some members of the oral micro flora merit investigation as potential antibiotics.

 

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