Acidogenic bacterial metabolism in dental plaque

Acidogenic bacterial metabolism in dental plaque refers to the biochemical process where oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, ferment dietary carbohydrates into organic acids [Selwitz et al., 2007, Lancet]. This metabolic activity occurs within the dental biofilm and leads to a drop in local pH, which promotes the demineralization of tooth enamel and the development of dental caries [Takahashi & Nyvad, 2011, J Dent Res]. The process is a key therapeutic target for caries prevention, with agents like fluoride working to inhibit bacterial enzymes such as enolase and reduce acid production [Marquis et al., 2003, 'Fluoride and oral bacteria']. Other interventions include the use of non-fermentable sugar alcohols like xylitol, which interfere with bacterial growth and metabolism [Nayak et al., 2014, Clin Cosmet Investig Dent]. Antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine are also employed to reduce the population of acidogenic bacteria within the plaque [James et al., 2017, Cochrane Review]. Monitoring this metabolic activity often involves measuring plaque pH or the concentration of specific acidogenic species to assess caries risk [Takahashi & Nyvad, 2011, J Dent Res].

Other names

Cariogenic bacterial metabolismOral biofilm acidogenesisDental plaque fermentationBacterial acid production in plaque

Interventions target this process by inhibiting bacterial glycolytic enzymes such as enolase (fluoride) [Marquis et al., 2003, 'Fluoride and oral bacteria'], disrupting bacterial cell membranes (chlorhexidine) [James et al., 2017, Cochrane Review], or providing non-fermentable substrates that interfere with metabolic pathways (xylitol) [Nayak et al., 2014, Clin Cosmet Investig Dent].