Microorganisms In The Human Mouth

Blood and saliva borne bacteria are mainly the reason for some serious infectious diseases (Szymanska, 2005, Martin et al., 2009). For example, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a known virus that may be contracted in dental clinics. Investigation of the presence of the virus in the oral fluids of hepatitis B carriers showed that %70 of their sample were infectious (Molinari & Harte, 2010). The greatest concentration of the HBV is under the gingival sulucs where this area is inflamed routinely and allows blood to mix

Dental problems can be almost entirely preventable. Bacterial plague is the cause of most tooth problems we experience such as tooth decay, bad breath and gum diseases.

Bacterial infections are causative factors for cancer that have been widely overlooked. Studies in the 90's have shown the bacteria Helicobacter pylori to be a primary cause for gastric cancer. This discovery revolutionized the association between microbial agents and cancers. More recently, studies involving microorganisms in the oral cavity have shown connections to cancerous growth. The inflammation caused by the bacteria P. gingivalis actually leads to changes in cell responses- including those involved in cell death and cell division.

The mouth is full of bacteria that will gradually form a sticky substance called plaque. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque, but it is not possible to remove it all. The plaque that is not removed turns into a hard substance called tartar that can only be removed with a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Plaque is a clear bio film of buildup on the teeth that can lead to both tooth decay and gum disease. Chewing gum or eating any food can cause plaque to form. After consuming food or chewing gum, plaque can formulate on the teeth within a few hours. The bacteria found in plaque can directly lead to tooth decay. If plaque is not removed from teeth quickly enough through brushing and flossing, bacteria can calcify, turn in to tartar

The paper is titled “Streptococcus oligofermentans Inhibits Streptococcus mutans in Biofilms at Both Neutral pH and Cariogenic Conditions”. This indicates how the paper seeks to show that the bacteria S. Oligofermentans prevents S. Mutans from growing. Furthermore, the title reveals that this correlation is tested at multiple pH levels: first at neutral pH then at the cariogenic, or tooth decaying, pH of 5.5. The title references biofilms to indicate that both strains of bacteria will grow in a shared biofilm, much like how they might grow together in the oral microbiome.

Cavities occur because dental plaque, a biofilm (Lackie, 2010), primarily made of Streptococcus mutans, produces acids from foods containing starches and sugars. These acids cause tooth decay, and if the acids are frequently present on the teeth, mineral loss on the tooth enamel can result, which is detrimental (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [NIDCR], 2013). According to the CDC, cavities occur four times more frequently than asthma does in teens ages 14 to 17 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016). In addition, almost 93 percent of seniors age 75 and older had dental caries, or cavities from 1999 to 2004 (Dye, 2007).

It important to have good dental health, brushing and flossing daily leads to a happy, healthy mouth. However, many people do not realize unhealthy teeth covered in plaque can possibly contribute to issues that affect the rest of the body such as cancer. There is a link between the health of a person’s mouth and the condition of their body.

I read the article “Newly discovered microbe keeps teeth healthy.” The article reveals that there might be a new and improved, scientific way to prevent cavities. Along with regular brushing and flossing, and a diet low in sugary sweets, germs and bacteria could help prevent cavities. The bacteria can halt or limit the tooth erosion that leads to the decay. Marcelle Nascimento and Robert Burne (dental researchers at the University of Florida in Gainesville) conducted an experiment to see just how helpful this bacteria can be. They both used cotton swabs to sample bacteria in the mouths of kids ages two through seven years old. Some of the children involved in the experiment had healthy teeth, while others had multiple cavities. Cavities are

Elderly institutionalized, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and ICU patients are at higher risk of periodontal colonization by nosocomial pathogens because of difficulties in oral hygiene, changes in salivary properties, and reduction of anaerobic flora.7, 8, 9 In ICU patients Oropharyngeal colonization by aerobic pathogens occurs very rapidly because of incumbent changes in antibacterial resistance, i.e., decreased immunoglobin (Ig)-A salivary content, reduced salivary secretion, mechanical injury induced by nasogastric and endotracheal tubes and mucosal desiccation. This in turn facilitates the mucosal adhesion of aerobic bacilli and allows bacterial multiplication and speedy growth on pharyngeal mucosa.10, 11 Oral Plaque harbors microorganisms in the sequence of initial colonization and represents an additional source of nosocomial colonization and infections in ICU patients. Plaque inside oral cavity is a dynamic and conglomerate system that associates microbes ingrained in an extracellular pattern. This mainly results from encampment and amplification of aerobic, anaerobic, and filamentous microorganisms on the surfaces of teeth, dental prostheses and soft tissues. Dental plaque is predominately located on the subgingival and supragingival surfaces of the teeth, but without

A misconception of dental plaque is that it’s a form of bacteria, which is not quite true. Dental plaque is a biofilm, which forms a sticky and colorless substance when you don’t practice good oral hygiene. The biofilm will build up on your teeth’s surface, and give the area the ideal environment for bacterial to live. While the biofilm is not a bacteria, it can help bacteria become destructive to your teeth.

Dental plaque, the stuff that is scraped off one’s teeth in a dental cleaning, is made up of a community of bacteria living together. The bacteria reproduce and produce other substances that combine to form a biofilm, or a layer of living bacteria, dead bacteria, and other components the bacteria produce over a surface, in this case dental plaque on teeth. The University of British Columbia’s Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences performed these experiments to determine if Peptide 1018 is

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease process which is initiated by bacterial challenge and characterized by destruction of tooth supporting tissues. It is the most prevalent form of bone disease in humans and a modifying factor of systemic health of patients 1. However recent evidence suggests that mere presence of putative periodontal pathogens is not sufficient for initiation of disease process 2. It is rather persistent host inflammatory response against those pathogens that leads to periodontal tissue destruction 2.

Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease affecting the supporting structures of teeth induced by complex pathogenic bacterial species that trigger the host tissue response leading to production of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and mediators leading to destruction of periodontal ligament & alveolar bone (Offenbacher S. 1997, Nora Silva, et al. 2015, Hienz SA, et al. 2015)

Microorganisms play a big role in the formation of cavities. Oral pathogens build up on the teeth, together with food debris and saliva, to form a thick whitish plaque. This becomes prime territory for the microorganisms to ferment food particles left on the teeth, releasing acid as a by-product. This acid erodes and decomposes the teeth below.