Bacterial biofilm on tooth and gum surface (null)

Bacterial biofilm on teeth and gums—commonly known as **dental biofilm** or **dental plaque**—is a structured community of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced extracellular polymeric matrix that adheres to the surfaces of teeth and gums[1][2][8]. The formation begins with the deposition of an acquired pellicle—a protein-rich film derived from saliva—on clean tooth surfaces. This pellicle facilitates the initial adhesion of planktonic bacteria. Early colonizers are typically gram-positive cocci such as *Streptococcus* species; over time, other species join through coaggregation, leading to maturation into a complex three-dimensional structure[2][3][8]. The mature biofilm provides protection for its resident microbes against host immune responses and antimicrobial agents by forming a physical barrier. This makes it highly resistant—up to 1,000 times more than free-floating bacteria—to antibiotics and antiseptics[4][5]. The metabolic activity within these communities can lead to acid production (causing demineralization/caries) or inflammation (leading to gingivitis/periodontitis)[1][3]. Dental biofilms are not single molecules or receptors but rather multicellular microbial ecosystems; thus they do not fit standard definitions for molecular therapeutic targets like enzymes or receptors. However, they are considered clinical targets for intervention due to their central role in oral diseases. Common interventions include mechanical removal via brushing/flossing and chemical disruption using agents such as chlorhexidine mouthwash. Complete eradication is challenging due0 to their resilience; management focuses on regular disruption rather than elimination[5]. Because "bacterial biofilm on teeth/gums" refers broadly to a polymicrobial structure—not a specific molecule or receptor—it is not considered an individual molecular target but rather a pathological entity composed primarily of diverse bacterial species embedded in an extracellular matrix[2][8].

Other names

dental biofilmdental plaqueoral biofilmbacterial plaquemicrobial dental film

Disruption of bacterial cell membranes (for chlorhexidine and similar antiseptics)[4]