The denture microbiome in health and disease: an exploration of a unique community

Redfern, J., Tosheva, L., Malic, S., Butcher, M., Ramage, G. and Verran, J. (2022) The denture microbiome in health and disease: an exploration of a unique community. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 75(2), pp. 195-209. (doi: 10.1111/lam.13751) (PMID:35634756)

Abstract

The United Nations suggests the global population of denture wearers (an artificial device that acts as a replacement for teeth) is likely to rise significantly by 2050. Dentures become colonised by microbial biofilms, the composition of which is influenced by complex factors such as patient age and health, and the nature of the denture material. Since colonisation (and subsequence biofilm formation) by some microorganisms can significantly impact the health of the denture wearer, the study of denture microbiology has long been of interest to researchers. The specific local and systemic health risks of denture plaque are different from those of dental plaque, particularly with respect to the presence of the opportunist pathogen Candida albicans and various other non-oral opportunists. Here, we reflect on advancements in our understanding of the relationship between microorganisms, dentures and the host, and highlight how our growing knowledge of the microbiome, biofilms and novel antimicrobial technologies may better inform diagnosis, treatment and prevention of denture-associated infections, thereby enhancing the quality and longevity of denture wearers.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Butcher, Mr Mark and Ramage, Professor Gordon

Creator Roles

Butcher, M.: Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing
Ramage, G.: Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Redfern, J., Tosheva, L., Malic, S., Butcher, M., Ramage, G., and Verran, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Letters in Applied Microbiology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0266-8254
• ISSN (Online): 1472-765X
• Published Online: 30 May 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Letters in Applied Microbiology 75(2): 195-209
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence