Oral Biochemistry

Oral Biochemistry deals with the biochemical and physiological processes, as well as microbial and environmental factors in the oral cavity, relevant for diseases in the oral cavity. The field covers subjects from the chemical, physical, and ultrastructural properties of the hard dental tissues over pellicle and biofilm development on dental surfaces to biofilm metabolism and its role in the development of diseases in the oral cavity. Furthermore, aspects of salivary gland physiology and the contribution of saliva on dental health.

Education

The aim of the teaching in Oral Biochemistry is to give the student a basic knowledge of the biochemical processes that may lead to development of diseases in the oral cavity, including dental caries. We emphasize the composition of the dental tissues, the ultrastructure and solubility ratio of the dental enamel, as well as the effect that biofilm development and the anaerobic metabolism of bacteria have on the hard dental tissues. Students gain insight into other factors of relevance for the development of caries and salivary function to resist the caries process.

The content of Oral Biochemistry is relevant for several other fields in the education programme, such as Oral Microbiology, Cariology, and Oral Pathology.

Research

Research within the field of Oral Biochemistry aims to identify oral biochemical and biological risk factors that may lead to the development of diseases in the oral cavity and seeks to clarify how disease development can be prevented or treated. Furthermore, there is an interest in investigating whether specific biochemical factors in the oral environment can predispose for the development of specific types of diseases. Research in the composition of saliva and identification of biomarkers in relation to the risk of development of diseases in the oral cavity is also in focus.

Course director/contact

Associate Professor Christiane Elisabeth Sørensen
ches@sund.ku.dk