Progress toward understanding the contribution of alkali generation in dental biofilms to inhibition of dental caries.
- Author:
Ya-Ling LIU
1
;
Marcelle NASCIMENTO
;
Robert A BURNE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Agmatine; metabolism; Alkalies; metabolism; Arginine; metabolism; Dental Caries; prevention & control; Dental Plaque; enzymology; metabolism; microbiology; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydrolases; metabolism; Urease; metabolism
- From: International Journal of Oral Science 2012;4(3):135-140
- CountryChina
- Language:English
- Abstract: Alkali production by oral bacteria is believed to have a major impact on oral microbial ecology and to be inhibitory to the initiation and progression of dental caries. A substantial body of evidence is beginning to accumulate that indicates the modulation of the alkalinogenic potential of dental biofilms may be a promising strategy for caries control. This brief review highlights recent progress toward understanding molecular genetic and physiologic aspects of important alkali-generating pathways in oral bacteria, and the role of alkali production in the ecology of dental biofilms in health and disease.