Oral, Dental, and Periodontal Microorganisms of the Oral Cavity: Physiological Conditions, Pathologies and Preventive and Therapeutic Approaches

Dear Colleagues,

The oral cavity harbours a diverse and complex microbial community that includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. More than 700 species of bacteria are estimated to live in the oral cavity alone. Other microorganisms commonly found in the oral cavity include fungi such as Candida albicans and viruses such as Herpes Simplex Virus and Human Papillomavirus. While most of these microorganisms are commensal and contribute to oral homeostasis, certain species can become pathogenic and cause oral disease under certain conditions. Physiologically resident microorganisms in the oral cavity play an important role in maintaining homeostasis, digestion, and immune function and preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms. Disruptions to the balance of these resident microorganisms termed oral dysbiosis, can lead to the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms and the development of pathologic conditions such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral mucosal infections, as well as systemic infections, due to factors such as poor oral hygiene, the use of certain medications, and changes in diet. In addition, oral microorganisms and dysbiosis have been linked to inflammatory and degenerative disorders, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, preventing and treating oral dysbiosis and infections can positively impact general health. Therapeutic approaches include mechanical and chemical control of the dental, periodontal, and peri-implant microbial biofilm, antimicrobials and probiotics, laser therapy, and others. In addition, primitive viral, bacterial, and mycotic infections of the oral mucosa and systemic infections that manifest in the oral cavity should also be considered. Diagnosis and treatment of these infections requires a thorough understanding of the pathogens and their pathogenic mechanisms. Depending on the type of infection, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agents may be used. Prevention of these infections may include good oral hygiene, appropriate infection control measures, and vaccination. This special issue, which focuses on oral, dental, and periodontal microbiota, associated pathologies, and therapeutic approaches, solicits submissions of original articles and reviews that contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of the oral microbial community in oral homeostasis and dysbiosis, oral dental and periodontal infections, and associated preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Francesco D'Ambrosio
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• microorganisms
• bacteria
• virus, fungi
• oral
• plaque
• biofilm
• caries
• periodontitis
• gingivitis
• peri-implantitis
• infection
• infectious disease
• sepsis