## 1 Introduction  
Soft tissue (mucosal) surfaces such as those in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal surfaces and other regions play critical roles in routinely protecting the underlying regions and tissue i.e., blood vessels and structural components from the environment [1]. A range of factors influence the mucosal surfaces of the human mouth with its unique anatomical features that include the teeth and tongue. Environmental factors such as those found in the diet along with localized influences due to the distinctive niches and regions that include the unique structural features within the mouth comprise those routinely impacting the oral mucosa [1]. In addition to the above influences, an important constituent of the human mouth is its indigenous microbial populations that impact the oral mucosa. The mucosal surface of the oral cavity is colonized by large densities of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with fungi and other constituents representing additional residents [2]. These microflora are found as biofilms in the supragingival plaque on the exposed surfaces of teeth, as subgingival plaque below the gumline and readily found within the other distinct niches of the oral cavity such as the tongue and cheek surfaces [1,2]. The salivary microbial populations can be considered planktonic constituents that are able to transport organisms between the oral surfaces. Further to the above, the routine intake of diet and their nutritional features facilitate microbial proliferation leading to a range of by-products such as acids, toxins, microbial cell wall constituents and including those with immunogenic and other pathogenic characteristics [2]. Taken together microbial factors represent an important component of the stress and inflammatory burden of the mouth. Identified widely in the literature with information drawn from surveys and clinical studies are the relationships between the microbial load within the human mouth and disease. Contemporary practices in clinical dentistry are based on maintaining routine optimal oral hygiene to preserve oral health [2]. Self-care measures based on toothbrushing with toothpaste are widely accepted to cleanse the mouth and improve oral aesthetics [1,2]. Despite their availability and educational measures to reduce the burden of oral diseases, most populations report the significant impact of these diseases [2]. Some of the most common oral diseases reported are caries and periodontal disease. In the absence of adequate treatments these conditions can lead to tooth loss and changes in aesthetics with long-lasting impacts on the quality of life. Surveys show that despite widespread access to excellent dental care, only about 10% of UK adults register good oral health [2]. Reversible conditions such as gingivitis representing inflammation of the gums and structures that support the tooth are other commonly reported oral conditions that are reported in 90% of certain populations [2]. The role of microbial influences on the initiation and progression of these conditions represents an area of extensive laboratory and clinical investigations. The oral mucosa provides the first barrier protecting the underlying structures and blood vessels from environmental insults including those by microbial constituents. In addition to protection, the oral mucosa is central to maintaining epithelial integrity and mucosal function [1,3]. The cell membranes of the exposed mucosal layers are studded with a membrane attached to sialic acid [SA] representing glycoproteins that play critical roles in epithelial integrity and mucosal function. SA reportedly serves as the inter-epithelial glue holding together the cells, aiding mucosal balance, response to stressors, etc. [3]. Studies indicate that SA is ubiquitous and found on the surfaces of cell membranes with densities that may approximate 100 mM [3]. Due to their critical role in membrane function SA are referred to as cytoprotectants with multiple functions [1,3, 4, 5] and serve as masks and ligands [5,6].