Biofilm plaque and hydrodynamic effects on mass transfer, fluoride delivery and caries.

Stoodley, Paul, Wefel, James, Gieseke, Armin, de Beer, Dirk and von Ohle, Christiane (2008) Biofilm plaque and hydrodynamic effects on mass transfer, fluoride delivery and caries. Journal of the American Dental Association, 139 (9), 1182-1190.

Abstract

Dental plaque is a dynamic community of microor-ganisms, developing continually and reshaping the microenvironment in which they live.1,2 Bacteria and other organisms in the plaque take nutrients from our saliva and the food we eat to proliferate. Immediately after tooth cleaning, bacteria left on the tooth surface and those attaching to the tooth surface from other parts of the oral cavity such as the tongue, gingivae and cheek mucosa begin to regrow. As the biofilm grows, it forms an irregular heterogeneous structure containing clusters of cells surrounded by channels through which liquid, such as saliva, can flow.3,4

Aerobic organisms on the periphery of the cell clusters remove dissolved oxygen (DO) rapidly, creating favorable microniches for pathogenic anaerobic bacteria to thrive. Thus, as the biofilm develops, it may be thought of as an ecosystem, containing many habitats and organisms. Bacteria modify the local environment through the production of acid from the fermentation of sucrose and other fermentable sugars in the diet, which then may increase demineralization of the enamel surface, leading to, or accelerating, the development of caries.5

The literature contains many excellent reviews regarding the microbial ecology and management of dental plaque biofilms.1,2,6 However, it is the goal of this review to concentrate on the effect that the interactions between biofilm and hydrodynamics have on the delivery of fluoride ion (F–) to the tooth surface, and the effect that F– might have on biofilm physiology and, consequently, the cariogenic process.

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Contributors

Author: Paul Stoodley

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