Why is microbiology important in dentistry?

The study of microbiology can encompass immunology: the study of the body's ability to mount defenses against infectious microbes. Dental assistants need to know how these mechanisms work in order to prevent the spread of viruses and diseases.

Why the study of microbiology is important to the dental assistant?

The dental assistant needs a foundation in microbiology to understand the nature of pathogens (disease-producing microorganisms) and how to prevent the transmission of disease in the dental office. The two major oral diseases, dental caries (decay) and periodontitis, are bacterial infections.

What are the two most important groups of microorganisms in dentistry?

The two most common bacterial culprits that cause periodontal disease are Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola. These bacteria are anaerobic, meaning that they can survive without oxygen.

What is the role of bacteria in dental care?

(Probiotics (healthy bacteria supplements) help your teeth by: preventing plaque, battling bad breath, reducing oral cancer risks, managing symptoms of gingivitis, and decreasing inflammation from gingivitis reports, Healthline.com.)

What is the most important bacteria in dentistry?

Etiology. Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of dental decay. Various lactobacilli are associated with progression of the lesion.

Why microbiology matters

What bacteria fixes dental problems?

STREPTOCOCCUS SALIVARIUS M18 produces bacteriocins and enzymes that remove plaque and metabolises lactic acid; suppresses the main oral pathogens causing tooth decay, plaque and periodontal disease; maintains ear, nose and throat health; and reduces pro-inflammatory immune responses (i.e. cytokine storms)

What is the major source of microorganisms in the dental office?

Infections could be transmitted in the dental operatory through several routes: (1) direct contact with blood, oral fluids, or other infected materials, (2) indirect contact with contaminated objects, such as instruments, environmental surfaces, or equipment, (3) contact of conjunctival, nasal, or oral mucosa with ...

How do microbes contribute to tooth decay?

Tooth decay begins when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth's surface (enamel). This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

What is the most common bacteria in dental infections?

Facultative anaerobes belong to the viridans group streptococci and the anginosus group streptococci are commonly implicated in dental abscess. The viridans group streptococci includes mitis group, oralis group, salivarius group, sanguinis group, and the mutans group.

What is the bad bacteria in the mouth?

The two most common harmful bacteria related to gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, include Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis. These types of bacteria can survive without oxygen and can multiply rapidly. They cause inflammation in your gums and disrupt the good bacteria in your mouth.

Can bad teeth cause bacterial infection?

Bacteria can enter the innermost part of the tooth through either a deep cavity or a chip or crack in your tooth. The resulting infection and inflammation can cause an abscess at the tip of the root.

What causes bad bacteria in mouth?

What causes oral bacteria? While many strains of oral bacteria are ever-present, harmful strains can build up in the mouth due to poor dental hygiene, overly sugary diets, certain medications, and genetic conditions.

Why is microbiology important?

Microbiology is responsible for identifying infectious agents in tissue, bone marrow, blood, urine, sputum, feces, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids. The infectious agents can also be tested for sensitivity to certain antibiotics used to treat infections.

Why is biology important in dental hygiene?

But did you know that biological factors play a big role in those differences? Along with the physical differences between patients, there are differences in genetics, physiology, and anatomy that affect oral health and the way patients perceive dental care.

What is the importance of microbiology in veterinary medicine?

Veterinary Microbiology is a specialized branch of microbiology that plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of animals. This field encompasses the study of various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their interactions with animal hosts.

Are dental bacteria aerobic or anaerobic?

Odontogenic infections are generally polymicrobial and from endogenous oral flora. They are mixed aerobic/anaerobic with 60% caused by anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, 35% by aerobic bacteria, and 5% by anaerobic bacteria only. Of the aerobic group, Streptococci comprise about 90% and Staphylococci about 5%.

What is good bacteria for teeth and gums?

A group of helpful bacteria called lactobacilli can fight several kinds of bad bacteria and may help restore a healthy balance in your mouth. Researchers put some of this bacteria into chewing gum and asked people with the gum disease gingivitis to use it every day.

What is the good bacteria on teeth?

Good bacteria are essential for a healthy mouth. They help to defend against oral disease and bad breath. With a nutritious diet and proper oral care routine, you can keep your mouth bacteria in check so you can enjoy a bright, healthy smile.

Do microbes maintain teeth health?

Some microbes are helpful. Others can cause problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Troubles begin when microbes form a sticky, colorless film called plaque on your teeth. Brushing and flossing help to keep your mouth clean.

What is the relation between microbes and bad teeth?

There's also harmful bacteria that are known to cause cavities and disease. Together, they form a community called biofilm, probably better known to you as dental plaque—or that slimy feeling you may have on your teeth when you wake up in the morning.

What microorganisms are in teeth?

Broadly these microorganisms belong to Streptococcus, Eubacteria, Fusobacterium, Capnocytophaga, Eubacteria, Staphylococcus, Eikenella, Porphyromona, Leptotrichia, Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus, Treponema, Actinomyces genera.

Why is infection control so important in dentistry?

Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is essential to prevent the contamination and spread of infectious organisms in all dental settings. Another factor that increases the risk of disease transmission in medical/dental setting is the persistence of many pathogens in the health-care environment.

How do you disinfect dental water lines?

Shock the waterlines on a periodic basis with an EPA-reg- istered antimicrobial cleaner, such as VistaTab™ . Consider the use of a continuous, residual chemical treatment, such as the Hu-Friedy Waterline Filter, to reduce microbial contamination and odor-causing bacteria, and the frequency of shock treatments required.

What is the chain of infection in dentistry?

The six components in the chain of infection include the infectious agent, a reservoir, a portal of exit, a means of transmission, a portal of entry, and a vulnerable host. ? Personal protective equipment should be worn at all times by the dental team and the patients.

What are the 3 types of microbiology?

Bacteriology: the study of bacteria. Immunology: the study of the immune system. It looks at the relationships between pathogens such as bacteria and viruses and their hosts. Mycology: the study of fungi, such as yeasts and molds.