The Biofilm Concept: Consequences for Future Prophylaxis of Oral Diseases?

Abstract

Biofilm control is fundamental to oral health. Existing oral prophylactic measures, however, are insufficient. The main reason is probably because the micro-organisms involved organize into complex biofilm communities with features that differ from those of planktonic cells. Micro-organisms have traditionally been studied in the planktonic state. Conclusions drawn from many of these studies, therefore, need to be revalidated. Recent global approaches to the study of microbial gene expression and regulation in non-oral micro-organisms have shed light on two-component and quorum-sensing systems for the transduction of stimuli that allow for coordinated gene expression. We suggest interference with two-component and quorumsensing systems as potential novel strategies for the prevention of oral diseases through control of oral biofilms. Information is still lacking, however, on the genetic regulation of oral biofilm formation. A better understanding of these processes is of considerable importance.

Salivary IgA enhancement strategy for development of a nasal-spray anti-caries mucosal vaccine

“…Serotype c S. mutans strains are most frequently isolated from the human oral cavity [3]. These bacteria are usually endogenous in adults and can be transferred from mother to child and are present at varying levels in all human mouths [22,23]. Both S. mutans and S. sobrinus produce water-soluble and water-insoluble glucans from sucrose, by the combined action of glucosyltransferases, which is necessary for the accumulation of bacteria cells on the tooth surface.…”

Effect of Melaleuca Alternifolia and Its Components on Candida Albicans and Candida Tropicalis

“…In Australia, it is commonly used as a topical therapeutic agent and its medical use is primarily related to its anti-inflammatory [7,8] and antimicrobial [9,10] actions. The use as a topical analgesic agent is supported by an increasing clinical data indicating that TTO is effective in the treatment of infections or diseases such as herpes [11], acne [12], dandruff [13] and oral candidiasis [14][15][16].…”

“…Moreover, several studies have characterised the in vitro activity and mechanism of action of TTO oil against bacteria [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] and fungi [18][19][20][21] The oil is composed of approximately 100 components [22], with the main ones being Terpinen-4-ol, γ-Terpinene, α-Terpineol, 1,8-Cineole and α-Pinene [23]. The antimicrobial activity of the oil is mainly attributed to Terpinen-4-ol which is present in the oil at a level of 30%-40% [1], and 1,8-Cienole acts to increase the permeability of the membrane which facilitates the penetration of other antimicrobial D DAVID PUBLISHING…”

Effect of topical anti-Streptococcus mutans IgY gel on quantity of S. mutans on rats’ tooth surface

“…Common caries prevention involves the use of fluoride and chlorhexidine. Another caries prevention method is passive immunization by inhibiting biofilm formation without eliminating the associated micro-organisms from the oral cavity [8]. This immunological approach that protects teeth from caries acts by preventing bacterial interaction with dental surfaces.…”