Dental biofilm: Risks, diagnostics and management

Abstract

Oral cavity is always exposed to external environment through feeding and drinking. The normal flora of buccal cavity maintains the safe ambience of the buccal cavity. Dysbiosis of oral microbiota usually caused by the intrusion of external pathogenic microbes results in the formation of biofilm on the dental enamel giving rise to dental plaque. Untreated plaque is followed by the formation of caries. Such dental biofilms not only cause tooth decay and loss, but also is responsible for various systemic diseases even cancer.Amongst various diagnostic measures, neural network and imaging techniques are found to be more convenient. The oral pathogens can be detected by metagenomic analysis and next gen sequencing. Such oral problems can be mitigated by periodontal debridement and by adopting guided biofilm therapy. Various artificial biofilm models are proposed for meticulous study of their mode of action. Mechanical removal of dental biofilm by regular brushing and flossing, chemical cleaning by antimicrobial mouthwash may keep away from caries formation. Adoption of antimicrobial photodynamic therapeutic measures may be effective in management of biofilm formed on natural or prosthetic tooth.