What bacteria is in your mouth?

Scientists from King's College and the Forsyth Institute have launched the Human Oral Microbiome Database, an online research tool.

It provides descriptions of the 600 different microbes or bacteria that are most commonly found in the human mouth.

Though bacteria are often thought of as being harmful to health, many of them actually benefit the health of our teeth and gums.

The database is not likely to be of much use to the layman and is aimed at researchers. However, it could have important implications for the public, as it may provide clues to the causes of heart disease, strokes and premature births.

"We believe that the Human Oral Microbiome Database will be very useful, not only to the dental research community, but also to the general medical and infectious disease communities," said Dr Dewhirst from the Fortsyth Institute.

www.homd.org