Formation and ecology of plaque at different locations in the mouth

Some recent findings concerning microbial colonization of smooth surfaces of teeth, gingival crevices, occlusal fissures and removable dentures are reviewed considering the many ecologic factors of importance for the oral microbial communities. The oral microbiota is extremely complex comprising at least 200 taxa. In spite of interindividual and site-to-site variations, each oral habitat has a characteristic microbiota ranging from Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic cocci and rods in occlusal fissures to predominance of Gram-negative, strictly anaerobic rods and spirochetes in deep periodontal pockets.