Microbial Ecology Adherent Interactions Which May Affect Microbial Ecology in the Mouth

Bacteria attach to teeth and oral mucosal surfaces in a surprisingly selective manner, and attachment appears to be the first step in the colonization process. Attachment is thought to involve lectin-like and/or hydrophobic ligands, called adhesins, often present in bacterial surface appendages which interact with receptors on oral tissues. A variety of factors can influence bacterial attachment, and therefore have the potential to affect host-parasite interactions in the mouth. Factors discussed include salivary components, dietary lectins, and sublethal concentrations of antibiotics.