Bacterium of dental plaque

Bacteria of dental plaque constitute a dynamic, polymicrobial biofilm found on tooth and oral surfaces. Major genera include Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, and others. Their metabolic activities—especially acid production—are central in the pathogenesis of dental caries, while their complex biofilm structure and interactions with the host immune response are critical in periodontal diseases. Their considerable biological and taxonomic diversity, as well as the complex extracellular matrix of dental plaque, pose significant challenges to therapeutic interventions. Control measures include physical removal (toothbrushing), chemical agents (antimicrobials, biofilm disruptors, fluoride), and research efforts focus on quorum sensing inhibitors and new antimicrobials. However, "bacteria in dental plaque" describes a disease-relevant ecosystem, not a classic molecular target.

Other names

dental plaque bacteriaoral plaque bacteriaplaque microbiotaoral biofilm-associated bacteria

Disruption or inhibition of biofilm formation; Killing of bacterial cells; Inhibition of metabolic activity (acid production); Interference with quorum sensing (microbial communication)