Oral pathogenic biofilm (None)

Oral pathogenic biofilm is a complex, organized microbial community encased within a self-produced extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS), adhering to surfaces in the oral cavity such as teeth, tongue, implants, and prostheses[1][2]. Its structure consists of multi-species bacteria—including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinomyces spp.—embedded in EPS and associated proteins, and it displays specialized metabolic and communicative interactions (e.g., quorum sensing) enabling persistence, immune evasion, and resistance to antibiotics[2][5]. When the biofilm is dominated by pathogenic species, it contributes to common and severe oral diseases including dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis[3][4]. As a therapeutic target, interventions aim to disrupt biofilm formation, reduce pathogenic bacteria, or modulate local microbial ecology to restore health[6].

Other names

Oral biofilmDental plaqueOral microbial biofilmPathogenic oral biofilm

Bactericidal or bacteriostatic properties against biofilm-forming microbes Disruption of EPS matrix integrity Inhibition of quorum-sensing and signaling pathways Inhibition of bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces Enzyme inhibition (EPS synthesis) Promotion of competitive, benign microbial colonization (probiotics)