Early canine plaque biofilms: characterization of key bacterial interactions involved in initial colonization of enamel.

ABSTRACT: Periodontal disease (PD) is a significant problem in dogs affecting between 44% and 63.6% of the population. The main etiological agent for PD is plaque, a microbial biofilm that colonizes teeth and causes inflammation of the gingiva. Understanding how this biofilm initiates on the tooth surface is of central importance in developing interventions against PD. Although the stages of plaque development on human teeth have been well characterized little is known about how canine plaque develops. Recent studies of the canine oral microbiome have revealed distinct differences between the canine and human oral environments and the bacterial communities they support, particularly with respect to healthy plaque. These differences mean knowledge about the nature of plaque formation in humans may no

SUBMITTER: Holcombe LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4252054 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature