ABSTRACT
The oral microflora is beneficial for the host, mainly by acting as a barrier against exogenous microorganisms. The mucosal surfaces are characterized by a rapid cell turnover with continuous desquamation of the superficial epithelial cells and the microflora colonizing them. A large variety of other microorganisms appear as transients in the mouth without establishing residency. The risk of transmitting infections between patients as well as between patients and personnel in dental clinics is, however, of great concern. Plaque control is a simple and effective preventive measure against plaque-induced diseases. The aim is to protect the host tissues by suppressing colonization of teeth and dentures by microorganisms through toothbrushing and other mechanical oral hygiene procedures, sometimes supplemented with broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. The resident oral microflora comprises more than 200 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species and in addition some mycoplasmas, yeasts, and protozoa.
