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Transmission electron microscopy of early microbial colonization of human enamel and root surfaces in vivo
Author(s) -
NYVAD BENTE,
FEJERSKOV OLE
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
european journal of oral sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.802
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1600-0722
pISSN - 0909-8836
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0722.1987.tb01845.x
Subject(s) - enamel paint , transmission electron microscopy , bacteria , colonization , bacterial cell structure , tooth enamel , biology , electron microscope , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , dentistry , materials science , medicine , nanotechnology , optics , paleontology , physics
– This study describes the early microbial colomization of teeth by the use of light‐and transmission electron microscopy. Six dental students carried a total of 60 test pieces of unerupted enamel and root surface in intraoral acrylic appliances for 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h, during which periods oral hygiene was abandoned. Pronounced variations were recorded in structure and thickness of the pellicle across the individual surfaces of both dental tissues. Bacterial single‐cell colonization increased the electron density of the adjoining pellicle. Micro‐colonies of bacteria were observed in relation to enamel surface irregularities such as perikymata, while the distribution on root surfaces appeared incidental. Root surfaces were generally colonized by thicker deposits than homologous enamel surfaces although the structural composition of the microbiota was similar. Gram‐positive bacteria with thick cell walls appeared in coccoid or rod‐shaped configurations depending on the age of the bacterial deposit. These bacteria were further characterized by selective invasion between collagen fibers. After 48 h the complexity of the microbiota was increased by the establishment of new bacterial species in the superficial layer. It is concluded that the pattern and composition of the early microbiota on teeth is more complex and variable than hitherto assumed.