Tooth enamel and dental plaque biofilm (None)

Tooth enamel is the highly mineralized, outer layer of the tooth, composed largely of hydroxyapatite crystals, providing strength and resistance to wear. Dental plaque biofilm is an organized, multispecies microbial community that develops on tooth surfaces, embedded in a matrix of bacterial and host polymers. Biofilm formation begins with the acquired pellicle—a protein-rich layer from saliva—that enables microbial adhesion, primarily by *Streptococcus* and *Actinomyces* species, and progresses as further bacteria coaggregate to create a mature, three-dimensional community. Microbial metabolism, especially carbohydrate fermentation, produces acids that lower local pH, which leads to demineralization of enamel (dental caries) and promotes pathogenic species. Plaque biofilm is less susceptible to antimicrobial agents due to its dense matrix structure. Regular disruption of biofilm by oral hygiene is necessary to prevent dental and periodontal diseases.

Other names

Dental biofilmoral biofilmdental plaquesupragingival plaquetooth surface biofilm

Antimicrobial agents disrupt bacterial cell walls, biofilm matrix, or inhibit metabolism; Fluoride enhances enamel remineralization and inhibits cariogenic bacteria; Enzymatic agents degrade biofilm extracellular matrix; Agents inhibiting bacterial adhesion to enamel