Advances and Challenges in Oral Biofilm Control

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The paper aims to critically study the literature published over the past 3 years as relevant to oral biofilm control. The emphasis of this review is the interests and importance of new findings, seeking the following answers: (i) what is the major challenge in oral biofilm control?, (ii) what are the new anti-biofilm approaches?, and (iii) what are the further researches?

Recent Findings

In addition to mechanical plaque removal and the use of chemical agents against pathogenic biofilm, there is a need for development of new anti-biofilm approaches. The majority of the new studies aiming to control oral biofilm have been performed with the characterization of the extracellular matrix components. Exopolysaccharides (EPS), proteins, lipids, nucleic acids (eDNA), lipoteichoic acids (LTA), and lipopolysaccharides have been identified in the matrices of bacterial biofilms and are considered the current targets to oral biofilm control.

Summary

The extracellular matrix is essential for the existence of the biofilm and by its virulence both in bacterial and fungal pathogens. The better understanding of the biomechanical properties of the EPS matrix is the main advance and is leading to new chemical and/or biological approaches to remove or disorganize cariogenic biofilms. Recently, researches are focusing on the extracellular matrix for oral biofilm control with further clinical applicability.

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