Oral biofilms: What are they?

Abstract

Biofilms are ubiquitous in nature. It is now known that within the oral ecosystem, bacteria and fungi mostly exist attached to surfaces, in the biofilm phase in contrast to their suspended or planktonic phase existence. Development of a biofilm from the initial seeding of organisms onto an oral substrate, such as enamel or a newly inserted appliance, to the climax community of a mature biofilm is a multiphasic process. A biofilm develops as soon as an appliance is introduced into the oral cavity, irrespective of the quality of the fabricated material or its manufacturing process. As plaque biofilms are the major etiologic agents of caries and periodontal disease, any dental biomaterial that suppresses the process would be superior and desirable than the traditional counterparts. This chapter outlines the various stages, and the factors that impact plaque biofilm development within an oral substrate or a surface of a biomaterial within the oral cavity. A basic understanding of this critical phenomenon would be valuable for fabricating "biofilm-retardant" new dental materials.