Oral biofilm microenvironment

The oral biofilm microenvironment is a complex, multi-species community of microorganisms sequestered within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (Marsh, 2006; BMC Oral Health). This microenvironment is characterized by distinct physicochemical gradients, including variations in pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient availability, which protect the microbial community from host defenses and antimicrobial treatments (Flemming & Wingender, 2010; Nat Rev Microbiol). In health, the biofilm exists in a state of homeostasis, but environmental stressors like high sugar consumption can trigger a shift toward acidogenic and aciduric pathogens, leading to dental caries (Bowen et al., 2018; Nat Rev Microbiol). Similarly, the accumulation of subgingival biofilms can provoke an inflammatory host response, resulting in periodontitis and potential systemic complications (Lamont et al., 2018; Nat Rev Microbiol). Therapeutic interventions targeting this environment include the use of antimicrobials like chlorhexidine to reduce microbial load and fluoride to modulate pH and promote remineralization (Weyant et al., 2013; JADA). Emerging strategies focus on disrupting the EPS matrix or interfering with quorum sensing to restore ecological balance without inducing widespread dysbiosis (Kolenbrander et al., 2010; Microbiol Mol Biol Rev).

Other names

Dental plaqueOral microbiomeSubgingival biofilmSupragingival biofilmOral multispecies biofilm

Disruption of microbial cell membranes, inhibition of bacterial glycolysis and enzyme activity, interference with quorum sensing signaling, degradation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and promotion of tooth remineralization through pH modulation.