Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

outdated: Actinomyces actinomycetemcomitans

introduction

Our oral cavity is a collection of many different bacteria and germs. Despite the daily dental care and use of Mouthwashes, there are around 500 different types of bacteria in the mouth. The best known are the Streptococciwho have favourited carbohydrates from food in Lactic acid transform that attacks our teeth. All of this is better known under the term "tooth decay".

Even though this is one of the most common causes of dental disease, there is another type of bacteria that can be found in the oral cavity, namely Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. This bacterium is one of the triggers of gingivitis (Gingivitis) and periodontitis, an inflammation of the teeth supporting structures.

Classification

To get the more precise meaning of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans To be able to assess, it is necessary to classify it more closely. It's about a gram negative (Colored red in the Gram stain; have a thin peptidoglycan layer made of murein and an outer cell membrane) and immobile bacterium.

It comes in the Oral flora and processes the food components ingested by humans. Oral flora is understood to mean everyone in the Microorganisms in the oral cavity. It can Maltose, Fructose, glucose, Mannose, Carbohydrates, Xylose and Mannitol metabolize.

Furthermore, one of its specifications is that it can be used in more oxygenated (aerobic), as well as in less oxygenated (anaerobic) Environment can grow. It doesn't depend on oxygen. This bacterium is able to react from Hydrogen peroxide to accelerate oxygen and water. Is the oral flora pathological (pathologically) changed, a single pathogen, in this case Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, can be present in increased numbers and thus a Disturbance of the physiological oral flora cause. In this bacterium this leads to Gingivitis and Periodontal disease.

transmission

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans does not come from your own oral flora, but will transfer and thus comes from "Outside". It can go through Kiss transmitted, but also through the sharing cutlery, Glasses and Toothbrushes.

Especially one Transmission from parent to child is clinically proven. The main phase in which the parents can transmit the germs that cause periodontitis to the child is during the Eruption of the permanent teeth in front. However, this risk can be minimized by gseparate cutlery and oral hygiene articles and does not lick the pacifier or spoon himself.

The life partner can also transfer Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans through saliva exchange, as happens when kissing. However, this does not mean that periodontal disease has to break out, as it is for it other factors play an important role. For example, a person who carries the bacterium in their oral flora but has never had problems with periodontitis themselves can transmit Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitan to another person, who then develops an inflammation of the gums.

The bacterium can invade the tissue, which is why it is very persistent and can reappear despite treatment. So periodontal disease is a real one Infectious disease.

consequences

Is this Bacterium Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans present in the oral flora, does not necessarily mean that there is often inflammation of the gums (Gingivitis) or periodontal disease occur. The bacteria collect in the plaque (Dental plaque) on the teeth. The plaque doesn't just consist of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, but from many different pathogenswho begin to metabolize the products present in food. If the conditions are favorable and the oral flora shifted in favor of this bacterium, gingivitis or periodontitis can develop.

The first signs are a Redness of the gum line and bleeding gums after brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth can also hurt and dark discoloration occur at the gum margins. At this stage one speaks of one Gingivitis.

Will this not treated, the bacteria can work their way further. It arise Gingival pocketsin which all bacteria accumulate. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans begins now, the Teeth-supporting apparatus to attack. This consists of the gums, the alveolar bone, the periodontal bone and the root cement. The tooth-holding apparatus fixes the tooth in its tooth socket and gives it to it Support and stability. If these structures are attacked, the stabilizing structures withdraw and the Tooth loses its gripwhat ultimately to the Loss of tooth can lead. The processes mentioned are not limited to just one tooth, but can occur in various places throughout the oral cavity.

therapy

The Treatment of gingivitis or periodontitis varies from patient to patient and depends on the extent of the disease.

Treatment begins with Removal of Dental plaque and its excretions. This will be all bacteria removed, also Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansto prevent the bacteria from progressing further.

Is the periodontal disease still in the Initial stage, this can also be done at home, with the thorough daily brushing of teeth be done. In most cases, however, professional teeth cleaning is carried out at the dentist. Also existing Tooth pockets are removed, as these contain many pathogens as collecting basins. To remove even the last of the bacteria, a mouthwash is usually used Chlorhexidine base, used.

If this treatment is successfully completed, the damaged teeth or also the Treated degraded bone substanceto ensure the best possible care for the teeth. Especially when Bone substance affected has been pulled, a complete restoration of the initial situation is usually not possible.

An antibiotic can be used to support periodontitis therapy. Would you like against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans procedure, removing the plaque is usually sufficient, even under the gingiva (SRP, also deep scaling or curettage due to the tissue invasiveness, so that amoxicillin is administered as a broad spectrum antibiotic. The gift of metronidazole, Clindamycin, Tetracycline is not possible there Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is resistant to it.

prophylaxis

Even if the pathogen is already present in the oral flora, it must not necessarily a disease occur. It is important, however, that you have your own Cares for the oral cavityto reduce the risk of gingivitis or periodontitis. This includes brushing your teeth every day (at least 2x) to remove plaque. Floss, Mouthwashes and Tongue scraper can be used in addition.

It is also important low-sugar foods to take in order not to give the bacteria additional nutrients. Regular visits to the dentist are also part of the preventive measure, as this can identify and treat possible diseases at an early stage. Possible errors in dental care can also be pointed out during these visits.

Summary

As complicated as its name sounds, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, is an important and not to be underestimated bacterium in dentistry, which is what many people do major problems with the tooth and gums can trigger. With the proper dental care and regular check-ups at the dentist can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the consequences of the bacterium and thus prevent periodontitis.