Oral bacterial biofilm (OBB) (OBB)

Oral bacterial biofilms are complex, multi-species microbial communities that adhere to oral surfaces and are encased in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (Bowen et al., 2018). These biofilms represent a highly organized form of microbial life, facilitating metabolic cooperation, horizontal gene transfer, and enhanced resistance to host immune defenses and antimicrobial treatments (Marsh, 2006). While the oral microbiome typically exists in a symbiotic relationship with the host, environmental changes can trigger a shift toward pathogenic species, leading to the development of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis (Karygianni et al., 2020). Beyond local oral diseases, these biofilms can serve as reservoirs for pathogens that enter the systemic circulation, potentially contributing to conditions such as infective endocarditis and cardiovascular disease (Seneviratne et al., 2011). Therapeutic strategies aimed at oral biofilms include mechanical disruption through brushing and scaling, as well as chemical interventions using agents like chlorhexidine, fluoride, and cetylpyridinium chloride (StatPearls, 2023). These agents work by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting metabolic enzymes, or interfering with the structural integrity of the EPS matrix to prevent biofilm maturation and promote clearance (Karygianni et al., 2020).

Other names

Dental plaqueDental biofilmOral biofilmSubgingival biofilmSupragingival biofilm

Disruption of cell membranes, inhibition of bacterial metabolism, and degradation of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix.