Development of oral bacterial colonization

During life, the bacterial population in our mouths changes.

Childhood
After a child is born, his or her oral cavity is practically sterile. Only a few hours after birth, the first organisms (S. salivarius) begin to appear in the newborn's mouth. Other bacteria also appear, although some only for a temporary period (Lactobacillus acidophillus). The microbial flora is not very varied because there is only the epithelium to colonise. When teething begins, many sites for bacterial colonisation also appear. The presence of teeth therefore creates the conditions for a complex microbial flora with potential cariogenic effect. Infection with micro-organisms occurs through the caregivers of the child, most often from the mother. By maintaining good hygiene habits, the mother significantly improves the child's lifelong oral health status.

Onset of puberty
Probably as a result of hormonal changes, there is a shift in the composition of the microbial flora in the sense that there are more strains potentially pathogenic to the peridontium. Teeth eruption lead not only to more colonizable surfaces but also to the formation of interdental spaces where facultative and strict anaerobes (Veilonella, Spirocheta) take refuge.

Senescence
After tooth loss, some strains of bacteria disappear. These are mainly cariogenic bacteria - Streptococcus mutans and sanguis.

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