Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System

Periodontitis and Dental Biofilms

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is primarily caused by the accumulation of microbial biofilms, known as dental plaque, on the surfaces of teeth and beneath the gumline.

• Definition of Periodontitis: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the gums (gingiva) and the bone that supports the teeth. It can lead to gum swelling, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss if untreated.

• Symptoms: Swollen gums, bleeding upon probing, pain, and sometimes stains on pillows due to bleeding gums.

• Etiology: The primary cause is dental plaque, a biofilm composed of mixed bacterial species that adhere to the tooth surface.

• Biofilm Formation: Dental plaque forms when bacteria attach to the tooth surface and produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), creating a protective matrix that allows the community to thrive and resist removal.

• Pathogenesis: Without regular oral hygiene, the biofilm grows beneath the gumline, triggering inflammation and immune responses that damage gum tissue and bone.

• Consequences: If left untreated, periodontitis can result in the destruction of the supporting bone and connective tissue, leading to tooth mobility and loss.

Key Terms

• Biofilm: A complex community of microorganisms adhering to a surface, embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances.

• Dental Plaque: A specific type of biofilm that forms on the teeth, composed of bacteria, their metabolic byproducts, and host components.

• Gingiva: The gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Example: Dental Biofilm and Periodontitis

• In the presented case, a 33-year-old female experienced gum pain and bleeding. Examination revealed swollen gums and bleeding upon probing, leading to a diagnosis of periodontitis caused by dental plaque biofilm.

Prevention and Control

• Regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, are essential to disrupt and remove dental biofilms before they can cause inflammation and tissue damage.

• Professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove biofilms that have accumulated beneath the gumline.

Additional info:

• Biofilms are significant in microbiology because they confer resistance to antimicrobial agents and host immune responses, making infections like periodontitis challenging to treat.

• Common bacterial genera involved in dental biofilms include Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Porphyromonas, and Fusobacterium.