[From knowledge of bacterial etiology to the treatment and prevention of the most prevalent infections in the community: odontological infections].

The prevalence of community odontological infections and their relevance to public health were reviewed. Knowledge of bacterial etiology (and the transmittability of these microbial agents) was used to study the disease (individual susceptibility to etiological agents) in order to review the effect of treatment on odontological pathogens and human microbials. The synergy between the primary care physician and the dentist is fundamental to the control of this endemic disease.