Research progress in the effects of fluoride on oral microecology

Abstract:

Fluoride has been used as an effective anti-caries agent for decades. Fluorinion can inhibit the activities of key enzymes in microbial metabolism or change the permeability of cell membrane, thus inhibiting the growth of major cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. Moreover, it can change the oral microbiome structure of caries patients. However, the long-term excessive use of fluoride may lead to the emergence of fluoride-resistant strains and reduce the anti-caries effect of fluoride. The development of sequencing technology enables researchers to gain deep understanding of fluoride resistance mechanism in oral microorganisms and the influence of fluoride on oral microecology. In recent years, the combination of fluorine and new biomedical materials provides a new strategy for controlling fluorine-resistant strains. This paper reviews the latest studies about the effects of fluoride on oral microecology, including the generation and mechanism of fluoride resistance in oral microorganisms, the effects of fluoride on human oral microbiome, and the combined use of fluorine and new biomedical materials, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the further research and application of fluoride in oral health.