Dental biofilm is a colony of microorganisms that can cause gum disease and tooth loss. It cannot be easily treated with antibiotics due to its protective slime layer. Manual removal by a dental hygienist and prevention through regular oral hygiene are the best treatment options.
Dental biofilm is the name given to the colonies of microorganisms that make up plaque. Usually, these colonies consist of a wide variety of bacteria, algae, fungi, and debris, which are attached to the tooth surface and covered in a protective layer of self-generated slime. If left undisturbed, dental biofilm can cause the gum disease gingivitis and periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. Due to the fact that the genetic properties of attached bacterial colonies are very different from those of free bacteria, dental biofilm cannot be easily treated with traditional antibiotics. Most dental experts believe that the best way to remove biofilm from teeth is using manual methods.
The first step in dental biofilm formation is the creation of a pellicle, or extremely sticky layer of saliva-derived proteins, on the surface of the teeth. Subsequently, floating substances such as bacteria start to stick to the film. For reasons not yet fully understood by researchers, these attached bacteria appear to behave differently from free bacteria. They emit a signal that instructs other nearby bacteria to attach themselves to the film and also begin to multiply, creating a colony of microorganisms. The colony secretes a layer of slime, which envelops it in a protective coating.
The formation of thriving colonies of dental biofilm can occur within days. Over the next several weeks, the biofilm can begin to penetrate the gums, causing gingivitis, a condition in which the gums become irritated and begin to recede. Gingivitis can, in turn, lead to periodontitis or advanced gum disease, which can result in tooth loss over time.
Researchers have found that dental biofilm does not respond to treatment with traditional antibiotics. Many suspect that the biofilm slime layer may be the cause of this antibiotic resistance. This slime can act as a shield, preventing both the antibiotic agents found in medications and the body’s antibodies from attacking the underlying microorganisms.
Fortunately, dental experts believe it is possible to remove dental biofilm from under the gumline. However, rather than relying on antibiotic intervention, manual removal of the biofilm by a dental hygienist is thought to be the most successful treatment option when biofilm colonies are significantly advanced. Perhaps the most effective treatment of all, though, is prevention. Regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can help eliminate biofilm colonies before they have a chance to settle.
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