Nitrite Production from Nitrate and Its Link with Lactate Metabolism in Oral Veillonella spp

Abstract

The prevalence of dental caries is still high around the world. Dental caries is initiated when the teeth are exposed to acid, such as lactic acid, produced via carbohydrate metabolism by acidogenic microorganisms. Veillonella species, which are among the major oral microorganisms, are considered to be beneficial bacteria due to their ability to convert lactic acid to weaker acids and to produce NO 2 – from NO 3 – , which is thought to be good for both oral and general health. Therefore, it is clear that there is a need to elucidate the biochemical characteristics of NO 2 – production in Veillonella species. The significance of our research is that we have found that lactate metabolism is linked to NO 2 – production by Veillonella species in the environment found in the oral cavity. This study suggests that Veillonella species are potential candidates for maintaining oral and general health.