Dental biofilms are complex microbial communities that form on the surfaces of teeth and in the oral cavity. They contain a variety of bacterial species, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces viscosus, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. These bacteria are responsible for the development of dental caries, or cavities, as well as periodontal disease.
Streptococcus mutans
Streptococcus mutans is the most abundant bacterium found in dental biofilms and is the primary cause of dental caries. It is a Gram-positive coccus that produces an acid environment which demineralizes tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. Streptococcus mutans is also capable of forming a polysaccharide matrix which allows the biofilm to adhere to the teeth and other surfaces in the oral cavity.
Streptococcus oralis
Streptococcus oralis is another Gram-positive coccus found in dental biofilms. It is a commensal organism, meaning it does not cause disease but is capable of producing acids that can contribute to the development of cavities. Streptococcus oralis is also capable of forming a biofilm on teeth and other surfaces in the oral cavity.
Actinomyces viscosus
Actinomyces viscosus is a Gram-positive, non-spore forming bacillus found in dental biofilms. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. Actinomyces viscosus is associated with the development of periodontal disease, as it is capable of producing an extracellular matrix that allows the bacteria to adhere to the tooth surface and form a biofilm.
Capnocytophaga gingivalis
Capnocytophaga gingivalis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is found in dental biofilms. It is associated with the development of periodontal disease, as it is capable of producing an extracellular matrix that allows the bacteria to adhere to the tooth surface and form a biofilm. Capnocytophaga gingivalis is also capable of producing proteolytic enzymes which can degrade the extracellular matrix of other bacteria, allowing it to take over the biofilm.
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is found in dental biofilms. It is associated with the development of periodontal disease, as it is capable of producing an extracellular matrix that allows the bacteria to adhere to the tooth surface and form a biofilm. Fusobacterium nucleatum is also capable of producing enzymes which can degrade the extracellular matrix of other bacteria, allowing it to take over the biofilm.
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is found in dental biofilms. It is associated with the development of periodontal disease, as it is capable of producing an extracellular matrix that allows the bacteria to adhere to the tooth surface and form a biofilm. Porphyromonas gingivalis is also capable of producing a variety of enzymes which can degrade the extracellular matrix of other bacteria, allowing it to take over the biofilm.