Microbes in Oral Health and Disease Flashcards
What does ‘commensalism’ mean?
An association between 2 organisms in which one benefits and the other neither receives any benefit nor harm
Which category do most bacteria in our oral cavity fall under?
Commensals
What does ‘parasitism’ mean?
A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits, causing the other organism harm in doing so
What does ‘mutualism’ mean?
A symbiotic relationship in which both organisms involved receive mutual benefit
Which factors lead to a healthy host?
- Immune system
- Vaccines
- Antimicrobial agents
Which factors lead to disease in the host?
- Immuno-suppression
- Virulence factors
- Resistance
What are the contributors to oral health?
- Integrity of oral mucosa
- Lymphoid tissue
- Saliva
- Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)
- Humoral and cellular immunity
What is flagella used for?
Motility
What are pili used for?
Adhesion
What is the predominant immunoglobulin present in saliva and what does it do?
- IgA
- Prevents microbial adherence to host surfaces
What is lysozyme and what does it do?
A bactericidal enzyme present in saliva that breaks down components in bacterial cell wall
How many microorganisms are present per ml of saliva?
10^8
Name 3 species of bacteria that are involved in dental caries
- Streptococcus mutans
- Lactobacillus species
- Actinomyces species
Which 4 factors must be present for caries to develop?
- Susceptible tooth surface
- Sugar
- Time
- Plaque bacteria
What does periodontal disease affect?
- Supporting structures of the teeth: gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone
- Chronic long lasting inflammation
