Oral biofilm and dental plaque matrix

The oral biofilm and dental plaque matrix is a complex, three-dimensional microbial community composed of diverse bacterial species embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (Marsh & Zaura, 2017). This matrix, consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA, provides structural integrity and protects the resident microorganisms from environmental stressors, host immune defenses, and antimicrobial agents (Koo et al., 2013). Biologically, the biofilm facilitates metabolic interactions, such as acid production from fermentable carbohydrates, which leads to the demineralization of tooth enamel and the development of dental caries (Bowden & Li, 1997). Furthermore, the accumulation of plaque at the gingival margin triggers inflammatory responses, potentially progressing from gingivitis to chronic periodontitis (StatPearls, 2023). Therapeutic interventions target this complex by employing antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine to disrupt cell membranes, fluoride to inhibit bacterial glycolysis, or enzymes to degrade the EPS matrix (NIH, 2022). Effective management of the oral biofilm is essential not only for oral health but also for preventing systemic complications associated with oral pathogens, including infective endocarditis and cardiovascular disease (NCBI, 2021).

Other names

Dental plaqueOral microbial biofilmDental biofilmExtracellular polymeric substances matrixEPS matrix

Anti-plaque and anti-biofilm agents function through several distinct pathways: direct disruption of bacterial cytoplasmic membranes (e.g., chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride), inhibition of essential metabolic enzymes and glycolysis (e.g., fluoride), interference with the initial attachment of bacteria to the salivary pellicle, and the enzymatic degradation of the protective extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix (e.g., dextranase and mutanase) (Koo et al., 2013; NIH, 2022).