Spatial scale in analysis of the dental plaque microbiome

Ecologists have long recognized the importance of spatial scale in understanding structure-function relationships among communities of organisms within their environment. Here, we review historical and contemporary studies of dental plaque community structure in the context of three distinct scales: the micro (1-10 mu m), meso (10-100 mu m) and macroscale (100 mu m to >= 1 cm). Within this framework, we analyze the compositional nature of dental plaque at the macroscale, the molecular interactions of microbes at the microscale, and the emergent properties of dental plaque biofilms at the mesoscale. Throughout our analysis of dental plaque across spatial scales, we draw attention to disease and health-associated structure-function relationships and include a discussion of host immune involvement in the mesoscale structure of periodontal disease-associated biofilms. We end with a discussion of two filamentous organisms, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Corynebacterium matruchotii, and their relevant contributions in structuring dental plaque biofilms.

Automated summary

By examining dental plaque community structure across different spatial scales, this study explores the relationships between structure and function, disease and health, and the role of host immune response in the mesoscale structure. Additionally, the contributions of two filamentous organisms, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Corynebacterium matruchotii, in structuring dental plaque biofilms are discussed.