Variation in bacterial DGGE patterns from human saliva: over time, between individuals and in corresponding dental plaque microcosms

These results suggest that stable ecological conditions were maintained long-term within the oral environment of the individual saliva donor but that transient fluctuations also occurred. The ecology and predominating microbiota in different individuals was host-specific and these differences were maintained to a degree during development into mature plaque microcosms. These findings also demonstrate the potential usefulness of applying DGGE to monitor temporal and developmental changes and possibly pathogenic patterns in oral bacterial communities from saliva and plaque.