Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025

10:42
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
17.7K
High-throughput DNA sequencing of microbiota at interproximal sites
Miguel Carda-Diéguez1, Luis Alberto Bravo-González2, Isabel María Morata2
1Genomics & Health Department, FISABIO Institute, Valencia, Spain.
Journal of Oral Microbiology
|February 1, 2020
Summary
The bacterial communities in the mouth's interproximal regions are unique and stable. These sites harbor more potentially cariogenic bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Genomics
Background:
- High-throughput sequencing has extensively studied oral microbiota.
- Interproximal regions have high caries rates, yet their bacterial composition is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the bacterial composition of interproximal oral microbiota.
- To compare interproximal microbiota with vestibular and lingual plaque.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina) was used.
- Samples were collected from interproximal sites, vestibular, and lingual surfaces at two time points.
Main Results:
- Interproximal microbiota composition is similar to other oral niches, with abundant genera including Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Actinomyces.
- Interproximal microbiota showed greater similarity to vestibular than lingual surfaces.
- Potentially cariogenic bacteria (e.g., Scardovia, Atopobium) were over-represented in interproximal regions.
Conclusions:
- The microbiota in interproximal regions is specific and temporally stable.
- Increased levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria may elevate caries risk and gingival inflammation.

