Uncovering New Anticariogenic Agents
by Zachary R. Conley zconley@email.arizona.edu Introduction: The formation of dental plaque involves a rather ordered pattern of bacterial colonization. As the teeth erupt (or if they are cleaned), surfaces of the enamel are first coated with conditioning film which is characterized by molecules from the host (e.g., saliva) and from the bacteria (e.g., secreted by-products). Early colonizers will grow and change the local conditions to increase its suitability for more discriminating species which colonize later, attaching to previously bound bacteria by adhesion-receptor mechanisms. Biofilm efficiently produce acid via their metabolism of carbohydrates, leading to demineralization of hard dental tissue. In order to prevent caries, it is essential to set our targets on the formation process of dental biofilms. 1 Anticariogenic compounds that are able to target the mechanisms of biofilm formation are gaining interest in recent history, and provide effective supplements...