Bacterial biofilm in periodontal pocket

Bacterial biofilm in periodontal pocket refers to organized, multispecies microbial communities embedded in an extracellular polysaccharide matrix (glycocalyx) and adherent to the surfaces within periodontal pockets (the deepened crevice around the teeth resulting from gum disease)[1][3][4][7]. This biofilm is composed of various oral bacteria, progressing from early colonizers (mainly Gram-positive cocci and rods, such as Streptococcus spp. and Actinomyces spp.), to bridging organisms (e.g., Fusobacterium nucleatum), and finally to late anaerobic pathogenic species (including the ‘red complex’—Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola)[5][6][7]. The biofilm provides a protective environment against host immune responses and antimicrobial interventions, drives local inflammation and tissue destruction, and is central to the pathogenesis of gingivitis and periodontitis[1][3][5][7]. Successful management of periodontal disease requires effective disruption and removal of biofilm, as its persistence ensures chronicity and recurrence of the disease[1][7].

Other names

dental plaque biofilmsubgingival plaque biofilmoral biofilmplaque biofilmmicrobial biofilm in periodontal pocket

Disruption of biofilm matrix and bacterial cell walls[1][3][7] Inhibition of bacterial metabolic activity and quorum sensing[3] Induction of bacterial death or detachment from oral surfaces[1][7] Direct targeting of pathogenic bacterial species within the biofilm[5][7]