Oral microflora: normal, autochthonous, normal and pathological in microbiology

The microflora of the human oral cavity is rich in various types of microorganisms. Beneficial bacteria help in metabolic processes and perform a protective function. Pathogenic microbes secrete harmful and toxic products of their vital activity, which contributes to the development of serious diseases.

In an optimal environment, beneficial and harmful microorganisms are normally found in equal quantities. Under the influence of aggressive external and internal factors, the balance can be destroyed.

If everything is good in the mouth

To understand which microflora of the oral cavity is considered normal, you need to delve a little deeper into microbiology.

Normal microflora means numerous microbiocenosis - a set of populations of different types of microorganisms.

The oral cavity differs from other organs of our body by the presence of a huge number of bacteria. Temperature, humidity and multiple folds of the mucous membrane are a favorable environment for their life. A large number of bacteria can be found on the tongue and dental surfaces. The bacterial environment of the oral mucosa is created by autochthonous and allochthonous microorganisms.

Autochthonous microflora is formed by resident (permanent) and transient (temporary) bacteria. It is transient organisms that cause pathological processes in the mouth and emerge from the environment. Permanent (resident or indigenous) microflora is taken from the organs of the digestive system and nasopharynx.

The flora is resistant to 30 species of bacteria. The microflora includes: bacteria (cocci, spirochetes), fungi, protozoa and viruses. Moreover, there are much fewer fungi and viruses. Also, the microbial composition of the oral cavity is divided into aerobes (oxygen), anaerobes (anoxic), gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.

Coccal bacteria are most often found in the mouth (up to 90% of all species). Their work includes the breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates with the formation of hydrogen sulfide.

Cocci representatives:

1. Streptococci - have a spherical shape, gram-positive. There are both aerobic and anaerobic forms. Participate in the fermentation of carbohydrates and form organic acids, including lactic acid. Acids, in turn, suppress the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms.
2. Staphylococci - have a spherical shape, gram-positive. They can carry out their vital functions both with the participation of oxygen and without it. Found in 80% of people. Participate in the breakdown of food residues. Under some conditions, they cause purulent and inflammatory processes.
3. Waylonella - are spherical, gram-negative, anaerobic. Participate in the conversion of organic acids to carbon dioxide and water, thereby suppressing cariogenic flora. Some forms of Veilonella, under appropriate conditions, cause bacterial disease.
4. Neisseria - aerobes, gram-negative. They participate in the fermentation process of a small amount of carbohydrates. Some forms of microorganisms are pathogenic.

In the microbiological status of the oral cavity, an enormous role is played by lactobacilli. These are lactic acid microorganisms in the form of sticks. Found in 90% of the population. Can live in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. They are able to suppress the existence of many pathogenic and opportunistic organisms. The number of lactobacilli is greatly increased during the carious process of the teeth.

Actinomycetes are found in the mouth in 100% of people. They are mushrooms, consisting of filaments - hyphae. Organisms ferment carbohydrates to form organic acids that have a detrimental effect on tooth enamel. Actinomycetes are also involved in the breakdown of proteins into amino acids. There are forms of fungi that cause diseases such as dysbiosis and oral candidiasis.

The permanent inhabitants inside the mouth are spirochetes. In combination with fusobacteria and vibrios, they cause ulcerative stomatitis and Vincent's sore throat.

The simplest microorganisms are found in 50% of individuals. Usually found in plaque and periodontal pockets. They multiply intensively in inflammatory diseases of the gums (gingivitis, periodontitis).

When things get worse

Violation of the oral flora occurs due to a failure in the ratio of microorganisms. Against the background of an unfavorable environment, such microflora pathology develops as dysbiosis of the oral mucosa. The disease is characterized by a strong increase in opportunistic bacteria, which causes pathological processes in the tissues inside the mouth.

Dysbacteriosis can occur due to inflammation of the gums and dental tissues, dysfunction of the salivary glands, as well as the ingress of harmful and polluting substances into the oral cavity. The cause of the disease can also be various chronic diseases of the nasopharynx and gastrointestinal tract, allergic reactions, a decrease in the local and general immune system, as well as the effects of antibacterial drugs.

Dentures can also affect the microflora of the mouth.

Dysbacteriosis develops in three stages:

1. Compensated. At this stage, there are no signs of a pathological process. The disease can be detected through laboratory tests.
2. Subcompensated. People suffering from dysbiosis complain about bad breath, itching and burning sensation. Examination reveals swelling and redness of the mucous membrane.
3. Decompensated. Characterized by the presence of edema, inflammation and bleeding gums, the accumulation of a large number plaque on the back of the tongue, as well as multiple caries. Often the stage of the disease is accompanied by the occurrence herpes.

Treatment of pathology is prescribed by a specialist on the basis of laboratory tests. Therapy includes:

• mouthwash antiseptic solutions;
• brushing teeth with medicinal pastes;
• taking immunostimulating drugs;
• the use of vitamins;
• taking prebiotics and probiotics;
• complete mouth sanitation.

With a long-term absence of appropriate treatment, pathological processes occur, such as: caries, pulpitis, periodontitis, as well as various types periodontitis. All these conditions can lead to complete loss of teeth and serious disorders of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and nasopharynx.

In order to prevent microflora disorders, you should carefully remove plaque from the surfaces of teeth, cheeks and tongue using oral care products and items. It is also necessary to give up bad habits and visit the dentist 2 times a year for the purpose of timely treatment.

How to get things back to normal

If you find discomfort in your mouth, you should immediately contact your dentist. Based on the results of the study and signs of the disease, the doctor makes appropriate recommendations.

Hygiene

Thanks to rational oral hygiene, the bacterial composition can be restored. Brushing your teeth should be done with a toothbrush and toothpaste 2 times a day. Teeth cleaning is carried out by sweeping movements from the gum to the cutting edge of the tooth. In addition to basic products and hygiene items, you should also apply dental floss, irrigators and rinsesimproving the removal of plaque.

Rejection of bad habits

As you know, smoking and alcohol abuse leads to a decrease in general and local immunity, as well as a change in the bacterial composition of the oral cavity. Therefore, for the treatment and prevention of the disease, it is recommended to give up bad habits.

Medication

With the development of a pathological condition, rinse the oral cavity with antiseptic and disinfectant solutions (Miramistin, Tantum Verde). Replenishment of the lack of optimal microflora is carried out with the help of eubiotic drugs (Lactobacterin, Eubikor, Acipol). Immunomodulators (Imudon, Lizobakt) will help to raise the local resistance of the body.

Traditional methods

Folk remedies will also help get rid of dental dysbiosis. There are 2 effective ways:

1. Strawberries. The components that make up the berries stimulate salivation, which contributes to the self-cleaning of the oral cavity from harmful bacteria.
2. Potentilla decoction. The solution relieves inflammation and destroys pathogenic microflora. 1 tablespoon of the dried plant is poured over with hot water and cooked for about 30 minutes. The broth should be drunk 2 times a day before meals.

Alternative therapy is effective only as an adjunct to the main treatment.