Page 4 - IDX-DecisionTree-Booklet-Digital

Additional Ecological Organisms
(Caries and Opportunistic Profiles)
Beyond the subgingival complexes, other ecological shifts within
the oral microbiome contribute to enamel demineralization,
mucosal imbalance, and opportunistic colonization. These
organisms may not belong to a specific complex but play
important roles in overall oral ecosystem dynamics.

Acidogenic and aciduric Opportunistic and commensal
species – may drive dental species – typically benign
caries through carbohydrate under balanced conditions
fermentation and sustained but capable of contributing
acid production, potentially to mucosal inflammation,
creating a low-pH halitosis, or systemic
environment that favors dissemination when host
enamel demineralization and defenses are reduced or
suppressing protective flora. ecological balance is disturbed.

The therapeutic goal is to maintain ecological balance through
mechanical plaque control, neutral pH, and restoration of
protective microbial diversity.
Primary strategies include effective oral hygiene, dietary
modification, topical fluoride or remineralizing agents, and
short-term use of targeted antimicrobials when warranted.
Probiotics and prebiotic substrates may assist in reestablishing
a stable, health-compatible microbiome following therapy or
antimicrobial exposure.