“ORAL MICROFLORA”- Its importance in Prosthodontics- A Narrative Review

The microorganisms found in the human oral cavity have been referred to as the oral microflora, oral microbiota, or more recently as the oral microbiome. The resident oral microflora develops in an orderly manner via waves of microbial succession (both autogenic and allogenic). Oral microflora is the aggregate of microorganisms residing in the mouth, and more than 700 bacterial species have been detected that can be found intraorally. When oral bacterial species form a coating on teeth, dentists recognize this as dental plaque, or dental biofilm. The metabolism of these organisms modifies local environmental conditions, facilitating subsequent attachment and growth by later, and more fastidious, colonisers. Eventually, a stable biofilm community develops, that plays an active role in (a) the normal development of the physiology of the habitat. Thus, when considering treatment options, clinicians should be aware of the need to maintain the beneficial properties of the resident oral microflora.