Periodontal bacteria

Periodontal bacteria refer to a diverse group of predominantly anaerobic microorganisms that colonize the subgingival environment and are the primary etiological agents of periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis (StatPearls, 2023). Key pathogens include the 'red complex' (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia) as well as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Socransky et al., 1998). These bacteria organize into complex biofilms, or dental plaque, which protect them from host immune responses and facilitate the release of virulence factors like lipopolysaccharides and proteases (Hajishengallis, 2015). These factors trigger a chronic inflammatory response in the host, leading to the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone (Pihlstrom et al., 2005). Therapeutic strategies involve mechanical debridement supplemented by local or systemic antimicrobial agents that target bacterial cell walls, protein synthesis, or metabolic pathways (NIH, 2023). Beyond oral health, periodontal bacteria have been increasingly linked to systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, due to the dissemination of bacteria and inflammatory mediators into the bloodstream (Hajishengallis, 2015).

Other names

Periodontal pathogensOral microbiotaRed complex bacteriaSubgingival biofilm

Antimicrobial agents target periodontal bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, inhibiting protein synthesis by binding to 30S or 50S ribosomal subunits, or disrupting DNA synthesis and structural integrity.