title: Microbiologic aspects of dental plaque and dental caries.
abstract: Dental plaque is an example of a microbial biofilm with a diverse microbial composition; it is found naturally on teeth and confers advantages to the host, for example, by preventing colonization by exogenous, and often pathogenic, micro-organisms. In individuals with a high frequency sugar diet, or with a severely compromised saliva flow, the levels of potentially cariogenic bacteria (acid-producing and acid-tolerating species) can increase beyond those compatible with enamel health. This article discusses antimicrobial strategies to control dental caries, including; reducing plaque levels, in general or specific cariogenic bacteria in particular, by antiplaque or antimicrobial agents; reducing bacterial acid production by replacing fermentable carbohydrates in the diet with sugar substitutes, or by interfering with bacterial metabolism with fluoride or antimicrobial agents.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral Biology, Leeds Dental Institute, United Kingdom. phil.marsh@camr.org.uk
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Marsh
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D018441:Biofilms; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014070:Tooth / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D013549:Sweetening Agents; D005459:Fluorides