Biofilm- The mystery of the oral cavity!

Abstract

Microbial biofilms are common in nature. Any fluid environment where bacteria are subjected to stress or flow, can create an environment susceptible for biofilm growth. Biofilms are found throughout the body and in the environment and can be found lining the dental unit waterlines, catheters and prosthetic heart valves. Bacteria exist in the oral cavity in the form of biofilm on tooth surfaces which is a polymicrobial community or consortium of interacting microbial species. It is difficult to grow the microorganisms in artificial culture in the laboratory due to the complex nature of microbial diversity causing periodontal disease. However, due to newer techniques of imaging it has now been possible to understand the biology of dental plaque and knowledge of microbial ecology. Oral biofilms play a major role in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease and have broad implications for quality of life, systemic health and economic costs.