Applied Microbiology and Beneficial Microbes

Oral Microbiology

Oral microbiology is the study of the microbes (micro biota) of the oral cavity and their connections between oral microorganisms or with the host. The environment extant in the human mouth is appropriate to the growth of characteristic microorganisms found there. It provides a source of water and nutrients, as well as a moderate temperature. Resident microbes of the mouth adhere to the teeth and gums to resist mechanical flushing from the mouth to stomach where acid-sensitive microbes are destroyed by hydrochloric acid. Oral bacteria have advanced mechanisms to sense their environment and avoid or modify the host. Bacteria occupy the ecological niche provided by both the tooth surface and gingival epithelium. However, a highly efficient innate host defense system constantly monitors the bacterial colonization and prevents bacterial invasion of local tissues.