User:CurtisEmery/Oral microbiology

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Oral microbiology is the study of the microorganisms (microbiota) of the oral cavity and their interactions between oral microorganisms or with the host. The environment present in the human mouth is suited 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 the stomach where acid-sensitive microbes are destroyed by hydrochloric acid.

There is a variety of bacteria found within the oral biome that will be addressed later on in this article although for the most part, bacteria accumulate on both the hard and soft oral tissues in biofilms. Bacterial adhesion is particularly important for oral bacteria.

Oral bacteria have evolved mechanisms to sense their environment and evade or modify the host. Bacteria occupy the ecological niche provided by both the tooth surface and mucosal epithelium. Factors of note that have been found to affect the microbial colonization of the oral cavity include the pH, oxygen concentration and its availability at specific oral surfaces, mechanical forces acting upon oral surfaces, salivary and fluid flow through the oral cavity, and age. However, a highly efficient innate host defense system constantly monitors the bacterial colonization and prevents bacterial invasion of local tissues. A dynamic equilibrium exists between dental plaque bacteria and the innate host defense system. Of particular interest is the role of oral microorganisms in the two major dental diseases: dental caries and periodontal disease; although, there are multiple serious or sever diseases that can result from an over colonizing bacteria in the oral cavity. Additionally, research has correlated poor oral heath and the resulting ability of the oral microbiota to invade the body to affect cardiac health as well as cognitive function.

Influence of pH and Oral Biome

Oral cavity pH is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the mouth and is put on a scale between 0 -14. It is an important factor that determines the type of bacteria that live in the mouth and can have a significant impact on oral health.

Moreover, the ideal pH level for the mouth is around 7.0, which is considered neutral. However, the pH level can vary depending on factors such as diet, saliva production, and oral hygiene practices. When the pH level of the mouth becomes too acidic (below 5.5), it can create an environment that is favourable for acidogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria produce acids that can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

On the other hand, when the pH level of the mouth becomes too alkaline (above 7.5), it can create an environment that is favourable for alkaline-loving bacteria such as Prevotella intermedia. These bacteria can contribute to the development of periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss.

Ecological sites for oral microbiota

As a diverse environment, a variety of organisms are able to inhabit unique ecological niches present in the oral cavity including the teeth,

Depiction of a 21-year-old male with strep throat (streptococcus throat infection).

gingiva, tongue, cheeks, and palates. As such, in some rare cases oral bacteria have been identified to migrate to other areas of the body in the event of over colonization or overgrowth of bacteria within the oral cavity. In effect, oral bacteria such as Haemophilus Influenzae, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Streptococcus mutans can migrate through smooth tissues or down the esophagus to enter and infect vital systems around the host's body. Within humans in particular, these bacteria can also move through micro capillary within thin linings of the gums to migrate into the blood stream. Additionally, if over colonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis occurs, and happens to enter the blood stream, the host also risks the bacteria moving to their cardiovascular system and even infecting the heart; in return putting the host at risk of fatal diseases such as endocarditis. Bacteria such as Haemophilus Influenzae and Actinomyces, have the capability of migrating through the oral cavity and infecting the upper respiratory tract in the lungs to problematically infect the lungs and put the host at risk of developing pneumonia. If the oral bacteria migrates down the esophagus and manages to make its way past the hydrochloric acid within the stomach, or perhaps uses the route via the blood stream, oral bacteria can inter the gut or the digestive system to infect the intestine of the host. In very rare events, Oral micro bacteria such as Actinomyces have also been seen to move through the blood stream and even infect the brain.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Bacterial Infections

Most often, a bacterial infection within the oral cavity can be characterized by the symptoms of localized pain, discomfort, bad breath, swelling, pus or discharge, difficulty chewing and swallowing foods or liquids, tooth sensitivity, and in severe cases a fever may be present. On the other hand, some visible signs that can be identified in the mirror or by a medical professional includes redness of gums, swollen or inflamed gums, white or yellow patches on the tongue, back of the throat and inside of cheeks. Also, tooth discolouration, tooth loosening, receding gums, and sores or ulcers are also key signs that a bacterial infection or over colonization is within the oral cavity. However, the type of bacterial infection occurring within the oral cavity can vary on a broad range of different possibilities and appear in a similar fashion in some cases. Thus, in the case of seeing these signs and symptoms made note of prior, a medical professional or physician should be contacted for further steps toward treatment.

Holistic Prevention of Bacterial Infections

Holistic or natural ways to prevent infection within the oral cavity in the near future can be used to ensure the microbiome within the oral cavity is kept in check and prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Holistic preventative measures include oil pulling (swishing coconut oil or sesame oil around the mouth), probiotic supplements, herbal supplements (such as aloe vera, sage, rhizomes, and tea tree oil), a healthy diet, and proper hygiene. However please note, if a bacterial infection is already present, these holistic methods will help although your health care provider should still be contacted for a properly recommended treatment plan.