Lactobacilli in the Oral Cavity: A Review
Author Information
Author(s): Badet C, Thebaud N.B
Primary Institution: Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2
Hypothesis
Can specific lactobacilli species be correlated with dental caries?
Conclusion
The presence of lactobacilli in the oral cavity is linked to dental caries, with higher counts associated with increased caries risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Lactobacilli appear in the oral cavity during the first years of a child's life.
- A strong correlation has been established between the saliva Lactobacillus count and dental caries.
- Most species of lactobacilli found in carious lesions belong to the Lactobacillus casei group.
- The salivary Lactobacillus count is used in caries prediction tests.
Takeaway
Lactobacilli are tiny bacteria in our mouths that can help us understand and prevent cavities. More of them usually means a higher chance of getting cavities.
Methodology
The review summarizes various studies on the presence and role of lactobacilli in the oral cavity and their correlation with dental caries.
Limitations
The review highlights the difficulty in interpreting results due to taxonomical revisions and varied methodologies in previous studies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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