Functional effects of microbial metabolites in dental caries

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease primarily driven by the metabolic activity of microorganisms within oral biofilms. The carious process begins when fermentable carbohydrates are metabolized by microbes, leading to the production of organic acids that lower the local pH and demineralize tooth enamel. While carbohydrates are important substrates for microbial metabolism, proteins and lipids also influence microbial activity and contribute to caries development. Recent advances in microbiology and metabolomics have highlighted the role of microbial metabolites in shaping the oral microbiome and influencing caries progression. Primary metabolites such as lactate and acetate play key roles in biofilm acidification and enamel demineralization, while secondary metabolites including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), bacteriocins, polyketides (PKs), and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) mediate microbial competition and regulate biofilm stability. This review explores the mechanisms by which these metabolites influence microbial competition and biofilm dynamics and discusses their potential applications in the prevention and treatment of dental caries. By understanding the interplay between microbial metabolism and oral health, new therapeutic strategies that leverage microbial metabolites, such as targeted antimicrobial agents, biofilm modulators, and metabolic interventions, hold promise for revolutionizing caries management and improving oral health outcomes.