Microbiologists 2018

Oral Microbiology and Dental Research

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The mouth is colonized by 200 to 300 bacterial species, but only a limited number of these species participate in dental decay or periodontal diseases. Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of dental decay. Various Lactobacilli are associated with progression of the lesion. Dental decay is due to the irreversible solubilisation of tooth mineral by acid produced by certain bacteria that adhere to the tooth surface in bacterial communities known as dental plaque. Microbiologic diagnosis is usually not sought. Spirochetes and other motile organisms are found upon dark-field microscopic examination. Immunologic reagents, DNA probes and enzyme assays have been developed for P gingivalis, T denticola, Bacteroides forsythus, A actinomycetemcomitans and other organisms.