Effects of secondary macronutrients on virulence of pathogenic bacteria constituting oral microbiome

The human oral microbiome comprises of a complex and finely balanced consortia of microbial species, many of which interact with each other, form bio-films and is responsible for major periodontal diseases like dental decay, gingivitis, plaque formation and many others. Given the importance of this microbiome in oral disease, considerable scientific effort has been put into surveying the opportunistic pathogens. The present study was carried out to determine the effects and role of calcium and magnesium as stress relievers, making pathogen susceptible to antibiotics, increasing chances to form more and more biofilms on teeth. Studies revealed that acid produced by fermentation of carbohydrates and other nutrients in mouth by oral bacteria makes the calcium available to Streptococcus strains which are opportunistic pathogens and calcium helped these in attaining vigor. Excess of acid form a favorable environment for continuous and vigorous growth of Streptococci which are responsible for tooth decay. Once a plaque is formed, it will form more favorable conditions for the formation of bio-film.