European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ORAL MICROFLORA AND DENTAL HEALTH- A REVIEW

Monika J. Mahajani, Chetan Agarwal, Vishwas D. Acharya*, Shweta G. Habbu

ABSTRACT

With the respect to microbial flora, the oral cavity is one of the most densely populated sites of the human body. The environmental diversity of the oral cavity promotes the establishment of distinct microbial communities, such as supragingival plaque, subgingival plaque and tongue coating. The properties of the environment determine which microorganisms can occupy a site, while the metabolic activities of those microbial communities subsequently modify the properties of the environment. The mouth contains both distinct mucosal (lips, cheek, tongue, palate) and, uniquely, non-shedding surfaces (teeth) for microbial colonisation. Each surface harbours a diverse but characteristic microflora, the composition and metabolism of which is dictated by the biological properties of each site. The resident oral microflora develops in an orderly manner via waves of microbial succession (both autogenic and allogenic). The mouth contains both distinct mucosal (lips, cheek, tongue, palate) and, uniquely, non-shedding surfaces (teeth) for microbial colonisation. Each surface harbours a diverse but characteristic microflora, the composition and metabolism of which is dictated by the biological properties of each site. The resident oral microflora develops in an orderly manner via waves of microbial succession (both autogenic and allogenic).

Keywords: Micro-organisms, Dental caries, Dental plaque, Periodontal bacteria.