The metabolism of oral bacteria in health and disease

156Impetus for much of the current research on oral microorganisms has stemmed from the finding of a relationship between the metabolism of the bacteria associated with the teeth (dental plaque) and two of the most prevalent diseases affecting man: caries and periodontal disease. Dental caries results from the dissolution of enamel (demineralization) by acids produced from the bacterial degradation of dietary carbohydrates. Periodontal disease is a collective term describing several conditions that affect the supporting tissues of the teeth. Except in late stages of periodontal disease, invasion of host tissues is rare. Tissue destruction results from the production of enzymes and toxic end products of metabolism by bacteria, and is also attributable to a destructive host inflammatory response to these products and to antigenic components on the surface of these organisms.