Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, Vol 9, 54-85, Copyright © 1998 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Survival of oral bacteria
G. H. Bowden and I. R. Hamilton
Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
The global distribution of individual species of oral bacteria demonstrates
their ability to survive among their human hosts. Such an ubiquitous
existence is the result of efficient transmission of strains and their
persistence in the oral environment. Genetic analysis has identified
specific clones of pathogenic bacteria causing infection. Presumably, these
express virulence-associated characteristics enhancing colonization and
survival in their hosts. A similar situation may occur with the oral
resident flora, where genetic variants may express specific phenotypic
characteristics related to survival. Survival in the mouth is enhanced by
dental plaque formation, where persistence is associated with the
bacteria's capacity not only to adhere and grow, but also to withstand
oxygen, wide fluctuations in pH and carbohydrate concentration, and a
diverse array of microbial interactions. Streptococcus mutans has been
discussed as a 'model' organism possessing the biochemical flexibility that
permits it to persist and dominate the indigenous microflora under
conditions of stress.
