The Microbial Aetiology of Periodontal Diseases
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Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
InTech
Abstract
Introduction: The study of the aetiology of periodontal diseases has continued for decades with much
progress shown in the last two decades. Having moved through periods of “whole” plaque
(with emphasis on mass) being attributed to the disease process, to “specific” species being
implicated, we have finally returned to examining the oral microbiota as an ecological niche
involving not only a selected few species but looking at plaque as a whole where all the
players are invited to participate with their roles no longer individually defined but viewed
as a team effort with recognition of their individual strengths and contributions. Recent
findings using advanced technology, are confirming findings viewed by electron
microscopy nearly half a century ago, but we now have the knowledge and expertise to
interpret those findings with deeper understanding. This chapter will attempt to examine
the microbial succession within the plaque biofilm from health to disease, bearing in mind
the susceptibility of the host, the microbial heterogeneity and the expression of virulence by
the putative pathogens.
Description
Keywords
Periodontal diseases, Bacteria
Citation
Africa, C.W.J. (2012). The Microbial Aetiology of Periodontal Diseases. In J. Manakil, (ed). Periodontal Diseases - A Clinician's Guide. InTech, pp3-54