Acidogenic bacterial biofilm

Acidogenic bacterial biofilm, commonly known as dental plaque, is a complex, multi-species community of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (NIH, 2023). The primary biological function of this biofilm is to facilitate bacterial adhesion and survival on tooth surfaces through metabolic cooperation and protection from host immune responses (StatPearls, 2023). In the presence of dietary sugars, acidogenic species like Streptococcus mutans ferment carbohydrates into organic acids, which lower the local pH and cause tooth enamel demineralization (PubMed, 2021). This process is the fundamental driver of dental caries and can lead to further periodontal diseases if left untreated. Therapeutic interventions target the biofilm by disrupting its structural integrity, inhibiting bacterial acid production, or utilizing antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine and fluoride (Journal of Dental Research, 2022). Fluoride specifically works by inhibiting bacterial enzymes and promoting the remineralization of the tooth surface. Effective management of these biofilms is essential for preventing oral infections and reducing the risk of associated systemic inflammatory conditions.

Other names

Dental plaqueOral biofilmCariogenic biofilmSupragingival plaque

Drugs target acidogenic biofilms by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting glycolytic enzymes to reduce acid production, and interfering with the synthesis of the extracellular matrix (StatPearls, 2023; PubMed, 2022).