关键词: 龋病, 菌斑生物膜, 口腔细菌, 产碱代谢

Abstract: Alkali production within oral microecology is necessary to modulate the balance of the microenvironment, which influences the configuration and characteristics of the oral microflora. Alkali production impedes the predominance of acidogenic and aciduric bacteria in a low-pH microenvironment and restores micro-ecological balance. Alkali production directly increases environmental pH, attenuates demineralization, and promotes tooth surface remineralization. Alkali production is mainly attributed to microbial arginine metabolism mediated by the arginine deiminase system and urea hydrolysis. Arginine metabolism prevents the growth of acid-generating bacteria but stimulates the growth of alkali producing bacteria; thus, the restoration of microbial disequilibrium in a cariogenic biofilm can be facilitated. Similar caries resistance has been observed in a population with increased urea metabolism. In vivo and in vitro data have indicated that the regulation of microbial alkali production represents a promising ecological approach to caries management. This paper aims to review current studies on the alkali production within oral biofilm, to elucidate the effects of alkali production on microbial ecology, and to describe the onset/progression of dental caries.

Key words: caries, dental biofilm, oral bacteria, alkali production