Prevalence of sulfate reducing bacteria in oral cavity: a narrative review

Abstract

Sulphate is used as terminal electron acceptor for the respiration of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) forming a specialized group of microbes. SRB have been known to cause microbiologically induced corrosion by forming metallic sulfides and oxides in the process of their dissimilatory respiration. Since oral cavity provides a conducive environment for corrosion, presence of SRB in oral cavity and their corrosive potential needs to be assessed. This article provides a narrative review of the available literature with the primary objective of evaluating the presence of SRB in oral cavity of patients. Keywords: SRB; corrosion, oral cavity, patients