Odontogenic Infection as a Complication of Dental Caries: Microbiological and Molecular Aspects

Despite significant progress in dentistry and laboratory diagnostic methods, there is an urgent need to study the role of microorganisms in the development of dental caries and odontogenic infections. Nowadays, dental caries is one of the most prevalent diseases in humans globally, which is multifactorial, polymicrobial, sugar, and biofilm dependent. However, there is no doubt about the dominant role of the microbial factor in its development. It is known that the cause of odontogenic infections in the soft tissue of the head and neck region can be several pathological processes in the oral cavity through the spread of microorganisms through the destroyed tooth tissue or marginal periodontium into the underlying tissues, as well as during surgical manipulations and trauma. Statistically, odontogenic infections in the soft tissue of the head and neck region most often occur due to the dissemination of pathogens of the necrotized pulp, periodontal pockets in periodontitis, or pericoronitis during the difficult eruption of retained teeth.

The purpose of this Research Topic is to highlight the latest achievements in the field of oral microbiology, the role of the microbiome in the development of caries and odontogenic infections, as well as the future challenges faced by dentists at the modern stage of oral infections treatment.

This Research Topic is aimed at delineating new vectors in the use of antimicrobials in dentistry and creating a reliable evidence base for their use in the prevention and treatment of caries and its complications, including odontogenic infections.
.
Participation in the Research Topic will be interesting for practicing dentists of therapeutic, surgical, or hygienic and preventive profiles, as well as scientists involved in the study of oral microorganisms, their biological properties, life cycles, and sensitivity to antimicrobial substances.

We look forward to your systematic reviews, meta-analyses, original articles, and briefs in the following areas, but not limited to:
- microbiological and molecular aspects of dental caries development;
- microbiological and molecular aspects of the development of an odontogenic infection;
- biological properties of the representatives of the oral microbiome and its role in oral health;
- detection of causative agents and biomarkers of odontogenic infections with a focus on inflammation, oral fluid, saliva, gingival sulcus, pockets, etc.
- peculiarities of the use of antibiotics, antiseptics, and other substances with antimicrobial properties for dental caries and odontogenic infections treatment;
- sensitivity of the main microbial agents of the oral cavity to antimicrobials, prospects for overcoming antimicrobial resistance;
- qualitative and quantitative composition of the microbiome of the oral cavity under the conditions of caries and odontogenic infections;
- change the microbiome and microbial imbalance under conditions of caries and odontogenic infections;