Identification and characterization of beneficial oral bacteria.

Periodontitis is the most prevalent infectious disease in humans, caused by bad bacteria living in dental plaque. However, dental plaque contains bad as well as good inhabitants. In health, numerous interactions result in a dynamic balance between bad and good bacteria. This balance contributes to the normal development and healthy status of the oral cavity. Changes in the oral environment (oral hygiene, smoking, diet,…) can shift this balance, resulting in destruction of the tooth supporting tissues. Since frequent relapse and upcoming antibiotic resistance are threatening current treatment strategy for periodontitis, a new non-antibiotic treatment approach is most welcome. This project can provide important insights in the role of good bacteria in the development and function of dental plaque. In this project we will try to identify the good bacteria within the oral cavity and elucidate how they excerpt this beneficial role. Additionally this work will result in the selection of good bacteria that can be used at a clinical level for the development of an improved therapy for periodontal diseases. Whereas oral healthcare conventionally focuses on removing all bacteria, the new approach will focus on increasing the population of good bacteria.