Bacterial Dental Infection by Prof CS Bhan
Someone has rightly said that ‘health comes first, and it enters through the mouth’. When someone talks about mouth it means means the oral cavity. What is Oral cavity? Oral cavity is the space in the lower part of the head that acts as the gateway to the digestive system. Various important structures such as teeth, the tongue and associated structures such as the salivary glands are located for mastication and speech. Saliva acts upon food start the digestion of carbohydrates.
Mouth being one of the most natural openings in our body, represents a complex ecosystem harboring huge microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. A proper balance of these microorganisms needs to be taken care of which coexist in a balanced state under normal conditions.
They contribute to oral health in terms of promoting digestion and protection against harmful pathogens. Our lifestyle conditions, dietary habits, poor oral hygiene disrupts this balance which provides room for the growth and accumulation of harmful bacteria, which is responsible for numerous dental infections and dental diseases.
Not a single bacterium is associated with dental infection. Actually, several types of bacteria are generally associated with dental infections. These bacteria exist in the biofilm commonly known as dental plaque; it is seen on the teeth and gums. Below the plaque is seen one of most common bacteria Streptococcus mutans.
1.Streptococcus mutans plays an important role in dental Infections such as dental caries, tooth decay. How does it occur? Streptococcus is the most abundant genus in the mouth, and as a member of this genus, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) plays a central role in the development of caries.
Streptococcus mutans is one of the most well-known bacteria which is mainly responsible for tooth decay (cavities). Whatever food is eaten by us gets metabolized by glycolysis to glucose and ultimately gets converted to acids as a byproduct. It is this very acid that is responsible for erosion of enamel leading to cavities. Streptococcus mutans has many different surface biological structures that play a major role in the pathogenesis of oral and systemic diseases
Most favorable environment for the spread of this bacterium is created with high sugar intake and poor oral hygiene. This very bacterium is too clever by creating a protective environment for itself and other harmful pathogens. It adheres to the tooth surface and forms plaque, and other
2. Porphyromonas gingivalis
It is a Gram-negative, black-pigmented anaerobic bacterium and is considered a common pathogen of periodontal disease and periapical periodontitis. It is often isolated from subgingival plaque in patients with periodontitis.It is a major causative agent for periodontitis. In short it is the major player in gum disease, particularly periodontitis. It invades gum tissues, causes destruction of the gums, and triggers an inflammatory response and bone supporting the teeth.
In advanced gum disease this bacterium is often found in the pockets that form between the teeth and gums. It can survive in low-oxygen environments as it is anaerobe.
3. Prevotella intermedia
Prevotella intermedia is another bacterium associated with gum disease and dental abscesses. It contributes to the breakdown of gum tissue and the formation of pus.
This bacterium is often found in the plaque and gum pockets of individuals with poor oral hygiene or untreated gum disease. Dental caries, tartar, and gingivitis are caused by overgrowth of oral bacteria, usually Streptococcus and Actinomyces species, as a result of insufficient dental hygiene.
Gingivitis can worsen, allowing Porphyromonas, Streptococcus, and Actinomyces species to spread and cause periodontitis. When Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium species, and Treponema vicentii are involved, it can lead to acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
The herpes simplex virus type 1 can cause lesions of the mouth and throat called herpetic gingivostomatitis.
Other infections of the mouth include oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by overgrowth of Candida yeast, and mumps, a viral infection of the salivary glands caused by the mumps virus, a paramyxovirus.
4. Fusobacterium nucleatum
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a key bacterium in the development of role in Dental Infections, especially periodontal disease and dental abscesses. It enhances the growth of complex bacterial communities by acting as a “bridge” between early colonizers (like Streptococcus mutans) and more harmful bacteria (like Porphyromonas gingivalis).
It can bind to both tooth surfaces and other bacteria on account of its adhesive nature which plays a key role in plaque formation.
5. Actinomyces species-these bacteria are often involved in root canal infections and dental abscesses. They damage the pulp of the tooth, most sensitive part of the tooth, and cause chronic infections.
Treponema denticola is a spirochete bacterium. Severe gum disease (periodontitis) is caused by these bacteria. They lead to tissue destruction and inflammation.
This bacterium survives in the anaerobic (low-oxygen) environment of deep gum pockets.
They play a role in tooth decay in the mouth. Actually, they produce acid, which causing erosion of enamel.
These bacteria exist in the deeper layers of plaque and are more active in individuals who take high sugar diet.
8. Eikenella corrodens
This bacterium can sometimes exist in mixed bacterial infections, which cause dental abscesses and periodontal disease, leading to tissue damage and contributes to the spread of infection. This bacterium can be a part of polymicrobial infection.
9. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. It is usually transmitted through saliva. Sometimes severe form of gum disease or aggressive periodontitis which can lead to rapid bone loss is caused by this bacterium.
The bacteria listed above cause dental infections through several mechanisms:
Acid Production: Bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus produce acid as they metabolize sugars. This acid dissolves tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
Inflammation and Tissue Destruction: Bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola trigger an immune response that causes inflammation, leading to the breakdown of gum tissue and bone.
Bacteria are too smart. They form a sticky biofilm (plaque) on the teeth and gums. It protects them from the immune system and allows them to multiply.
soft tissues of the mouth are invaded by certain bacteria like Actinomyces and Fusobacterium nucleatum leading to abscesses and systemic infections.
Risk Factors for Bacterial Dental Infections
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing a bacterial dental infection:
Poor Oral Hygiene: Failing to brush and floss regularly allows harmful bacteria to grow and survive.
High Sugar Diet: Bacteria depend their life on sugars, producing acid that damages teeth.
Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is bad for dental health. Saliva has multiple functions as it helps wash away bacteria and neutralize acids. A dry mouth creates an environment where bacteria can flourish.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: Blood flow to the gums gets reduced making it harder for the body to fight infections.
Weakened Immune System: Susceptibility to infections gets enhanced by conditions like Diabetes ,HIV, or other autoimmune diseases.
Untreated Dental Issues: Cavities, cracked teeth, and gum disease provide entry points for bacteria.
Preventing Bacterial Dental Infections
The best way to prevent dental infections is to maintain good oral hygiene and address dental issues early. Here are some tips:
Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
Reduce your intake of sugary snacks and beverages, which feed harmful bacteria.
Regular check-ups and cleanings can help detect and treat dental issues before they become serious. Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water and wash away bacteria.
Say no to Tobacco which is the key player for causing the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.
Use Antibacterial Mouthwash: the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth gets reduced by rinsing mouth with antibacterial mouthwash.
Dental infections are primarily caused by harmful bacteria that exist in the mouth when oral hygiene is neglected or other risk factors are present. Bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum play key roles in tooth decay, gum disease, and abscesses. It is very important to understand how these bacteria spread cause infections. Thereby, steps are to be taken to maintain good oral hygiene, for protection of your teeth and gums from these harmful microorganisms.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure—so take care of your oral health today to avoid painful and costly dental problems in the future.
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