Non-specific oral microbiota and dental surfaces

The non-specific oral microbiota and dental surfaces constitute a complex ecological niche and the physical substrate for dental biofilm formation. The oral microbiota is a diverse community of over 700 species of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that colonize the oral cavity, primarily residing within a protective extracellular matrix on tooth surfaces [1][2]. Dental surfaces, composed mainly of hydroxyapatite, serve as the foundation for these biofilms, which can transition from a healthy commensal state to a pathogenic state (dysbiosis) under conditions of poor hygiene or high sugar intake [3]. Therapeutic targeting of this system involves broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, which disrupt microbial cell membranes and inhibit plaque accumulation [4]. Additionally, fluoride-based treatments target the dental surface itself, promoting remineralization and increasing resistance to acid-mediated demineralization by forming fluorapatite [5]. Managing this target is essential for preventing prevalent oral diseases including dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis [6]. [1] NIH: The Human Oral Microbiome Database (HOMD). [2] Kilian M, et al. (2016) British Dental Journal. [3] Marsh PD. (2006) BMC Oral Health. [4] StatPearls: Chlorhexidine. [5] NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Fluoride. [6] World Health Organization (WHO): Oral Health.

Other names

Oral microbiomeDental plaqueDental biofilmOral microfloraTooth enamelHydroxyapatite surface

Disruption of microbial cell membranes, inhibition of bacterial enzymes (e.g., enolase), prevention of bacterial adhesion to hydroxyapatite, and promotion of enamel remineralization through the formation of fluorapatite.