Can the Colonisation Resistance of the Oral Microflora be Reduced?

Reduction in colonisation resistance of the oral flora is discussed in relation to microbial, exogenous and host factors. Bacterial adherence and interbacterial interference are considered as important microbial factors, while the role of antibacterial chemotherapy is discussed in relation to its importance in the gastro-intestinal tract, where it has already been shown to reduce colonisation resistance of the gut microflora. The importance of host factors is considered with regard to oral coliform carriage in compromised patients, and the value of whole saliva as a modulator of colonisation resistance is discussed.