Oral biofilm-enamel interface

The oral biofilm-enamel interface represents a complex biological system where microbial communities interact with the mineralized hydroxyapatite of the tooth (PubMed: 21760638). This interface is the primary site for the development of dental caries, a disease driven by the metabolic activity of acidogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, which ferment dietary sugars into organic acids (NIH: PMC4733546). These acids lower the local pH, leading to the demineralization of the enamel surface. Therapeutic strategies target this system by disrupting the biofilm structure, inhibiting bacterial metabolism, or enhancing the remineralization of the enamel. For example, fluoride ions promote the formation of fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid dissolution, and inhibit bacterial enzymes like enolase (NIH: PMC4733546). Antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine disrupt bacterial cell membranes to reduce the microbial load, while xylitol acts as a non-fermentable sugar that interferes with bacterial growth (StatPearls: NBK557562). Understanding the dynamic balance between demineralization and remineralization at this interface is essential for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.

Other names

Dental plaqueOral biofilmTooth enamel interfaceDental pellicle-biofilm complexCariogenic biofilm

Inhibition of bacterial enolase, promotion of remineralization through fluorapatite formation, disruption of bacterial cell membranes, inhibition of glucosyltransferase, and competitive inhibition of sugar transport (NIH: PMC4733546; StatPearls: NBK557562).