Untreated dental caries remains the most widespread biofilm-mediated oral condition worldwide. As the gold standard for managing dental caries is prevention, current strategies must be reinforced to reduce the massive prevalence of this disease. Ongoing research focuses on biofilm-targeted natural and designed antimicrobials to enhance the management of the cariogenic process. However, broad-spectrum antiseptics and antibiotics are controversial approaches to preventing and managing cariogenic biofilms. Evidence shows these compounds can cause undesirable side effects, such as antimicrobial resistance development and microbial ecology imbalance. Therefore, novel approaches focusing on non-microbicidal agents are desired to avoid these negative effects. Natural-based anti-cariogenic strategies include disruption of biofilm integrity, inhibition of biofilm formation, mitigation of microbial acid production, acid environmental adaptation and targeting of inter-microbial signalling (Quorum Sensing). Furthermore, combinations could provide a broader spectrum of actions to prevent and manage cariogenic biofilms. Exploring non-microbicidal, anti-caries approaches could provide cariology researchers with new insights, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance development. The obtained evidence, in turn, could offer alternatives for the dental-healthcare industry to develop innovative anti-caries products. Implementing and promoting natural compounds in the clinical setting is most needed to enhance oral health, avoiding the undesirable and concerning side effects of antimicrobials with an environmentally sustainable perspective. The primary findings of this in-vitro study highlight that effective cariogenic biofilm management requires targeting different cariogenic factors simultaneously, such as the surrounding exo-polymeric substance matrix, acid production, microbial interplay and biofilm formation due to the broad adaptive mechanisms of cariogenic microbial species to dynamic oral conditions. The current inadequacy of preventive measures for dental caries underscores the need for evidence-based, modern therapeutic approaches. Consequently, continue exploring non-microbicidal, sustainable strategies to prevent dental caries will significantly improve the quality of life of those affected. These strategies are essential for enhancing caries management, emphasising the importance of non-surgical, preventive and minimally invasive dental care practices.
In-vitro Modulation and Disruption of Early Cariogenic Biofilms
Furlong Lopez, A. (Author). 1 Nov 2024
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy