Oral Microbiology

Oral microbiology is an academic field that encompasses the physiology, eco-biology, and biochemistry of oral microbial communities, as well as the roles of oral microbes in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of oral and systemic diseases. Oral microbiology is an area of interest in the field of dentistry, as it is essential to understand the composition of oral microbial communities, which are intimately associated with oral health. Oral microbial communities vary widely among individuals, depending on age, oral health, nutrition, and even geographical locale. These communities are composed of a large variety of species, and the composition of these communities can be predictive of oral health. For example, the abundance of certain bacterial species is associated with oral disorders such as caries, periodontal disease, and periapical abscesses. Furthermore, microbial communities can cause endemic and epidemic infectious diseases such as infectious mononucleosis, periodontal diseases, and oral carcinoma. To understand how oral microbes contribute to systemic health and diseases, researchers must first understand the composition of oral microbial communities. This requires culture-independent techniques, such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These techniques allow scientists to identify and quantify specific species within an oral microbial sample. DGGE allows researchers to track changes in the composition of an oral microbial community over time, while PCRs allow researchers to identify specific organisms. The role of oral microbes in systemic diseases can be studied by examining the interaction between microbes in the oral cavity and other body sites, or the host response to oral microbial communities. Studies have identified specific oral microbes that are associated with systemic disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Moreover, studies have shown that the oral microbiome is directly impacted by dental treatments, such as tooth extraction, dental surgeries, and cleaning interventions. The field of oral microbiology is constantly evolving, as new discoveries help scientists better understand the role of oral microbes in health and disease. Moreover, these discoveries are being used to develop diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive measures. As research continues to improve our understanding of oral microbiology, it can lead to more targeted treatment and prevention strategies for oral and systemic diseases.