ally coaggregate with F. nucleatum (2:3249). F. nucleatum can associate with all genera. Thus, it acts as a kind of microbial bridge between early colonizers and late colonizers (i.e. Selenomonas flueggei).
Among the oral bacteria, several different adhesins have been identified. The intercellular effects of these structures can often be reversed by simple sugars. Galactoside specific adhesins seem to be the most common.
Overall, adhesins and cellular coaggregation act to create a microbial support system. This enhances their ability to colonize the tooth's surface and, ultimately, promotes the accretion of dental plaque.
The bacteria which form plaque may act as a commensural flora (5:533). As Newman (1990) mentions, such flora have the potential for resisting infection by more harmful micro organisms. Indeed, already this has been demonstrated under a variety of different circumstances in several
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