The oral microbiome in an ecological perspective / / edited by Egija Zaura and Alex Mira.

• Author: Egija Zaura
• TeilnehmendeR: Mira, Alex; Zaura, Egija, 1971-
• Place / Publishing House: [Lausanne, Switzerland] : : Frontiers Media SA,, [2015]; ©2015
• Year of Publication: 2015
• Language: English
• Series: Frontiers research topics.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (116 pages) :; illustrations; digital file(s).
• Notes: Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph; "Published in: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology" -- front cover.

The oral cavity harbors an immense diversity of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa and viruses. At health, oral microbial community is thought to be in a state of homeostasis, even after numerous perturbations (e.g., toothbrushing, food intake) a day. The breach in this homeostasis can occur for instance if the perturbations become too excessive (e.g., frequent carbohydrate intake leading to acidification of the community) or the host is compromised (e.g., inadequate immune response resulting in persistent inflammation of periodontal tissue). Aggressive antimicrobial therapy (e.g., antibiotics in case of periodontal disease or preventive antibiotic therapy before and after dental extractions) is commonly applied with all the negative consequences of this approach. So far little is known on the interplay between the environmental, host and microbial factors in maintaining an ecological balance. What are the prerequisites for a healthy oral ecosystem? Can we restore an unbalanced oral microbiome? How stable is the oral microbiome through time and how robust it is to external perturbations? Gaining new insights in the ecological factors sustaining oral health will lead to conceptually new therapies and preventive programs.