[ XXXX and oral streptococci in dental plaque].

@entity1 @entity6586 @entity1697 @entity66 @entity1547
The @entity1 oral microbial biota represents a highly diverse biofilm. Twenty-five species of oral streptococci inhabit the @entity1 oral cavity and represent about 20 % of the total oral bacteria. Taxonomy of these bacteria is complex and remains provisional. @entity1697 . Each species has developed specific properties for colonizing the different oral sites subjected to constantly changing conditions, for competing against competitors, and for resisting external agressions (host immune system, physico-chemical shocks, and mechanical frictions). Imbalance in the indigenous microbial biota generates @entity66 , and under proper conditions, commensal streptococci can switch to opportunistic pathogens that @entity66 in and damage to the host. The group of "mutans streptococci" was described as the most important bacteria related to the formation of @entity1547 . @entity6586 , although naturally present among the @entity1 oral microbiota, is the microbial species most strongly associated with @entity1547 . This minireview describes the oral streptococci ecology and their biofilm life style by focusing on the mutans group, mainly @entity6586 . Virulence traits, interactions in the biofilm, and influence of @entity6586 in @entity1547 etiology are discussed.
