Mixed oral plaque bacteria (Oral Biofilm)

Mixed oral plaque bacteria, also known as dental biofilm, consist of a diverse and structured community of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) [1]. This complex ecosystem includes hundreds of species, such as Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and various Actinomyces, which colonize the hard and soft tissues of the mouth [2]. The biological function of this community involves complex inter-species signaling and metabolic activities, including the fermentation of dietary carbohydrates into organic acids [1, 2]. When the microbial balance shifts toward pathogenic species, the resulting dysbiosis leads to the development of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis [2, 4]. Therapeutic interventions target this community through mechanical removal or chemical agents that disrupt the biofilm structure, inhibit bacterial metabolism, or kill the constituent microbes [3, 5]. Understanding the composition and behavior of mixed oral plaque bacteria is essential for developing effective oral hygiene products and treatments for periodontal diseases [6].

Other names

Dental plaqueOral biofilmDental biofilmOral microbiotaSubgingival plaqueSupragingival plaque

Disruption of bacterial cell membranes, inhibition of metabolic enzymes, and prevention of bacterial adhesion to oral surfaces [3, 5].