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An Archetypical Biofilm Disease

Background. Periodontitis is a classic example of biofilm-mediated diseases.

Methods. The authors reviewed selected publications in English-language peer-reviewed journals with respect to microbial biofilms, focusing on representative works that provided a historical to a contemporary perspective on periodontal oral biofilms in the larger context of biofilm microbiology.

Results. Developments in advanced microscopy and molecular microbiology have allowed scientists to examine and characterize microbial biofilm-mediated diseases, such as periodontitis, more accurately than in the past.

Conclusions. Periodontitis, like other biofilm infections, is refractory to antibiotic agents and host defenses because the causative microbes live in complex communities that persist despite challenges that range from targeted antibiotic agents to phagocytosis.

Clinical Implications. The regular delivery of nontargeted antibiofilm agents may be an effective strategy for treating biofilms, especially if these agents include oxidative agents that dissolve the biofilm matrix.

Key Words: Bacteria; biofilms; oral; periodontitis

Abbreviations: DHPLC: Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography • FISH: Fluorescence in situ hybridization • NIH: National Institutes of Health • OME: Otitis media with effusion • PCR: Polymerase chain reaction • rRNA: Ribosomal ribonucleic acid • SEM: Scanning electron microscopy • SRP: Scaling and root planing