Dental caries, a biofilm-mediated multifactorial dynamic disease, is identified as a type of global public health problem. Microbes including commensals and opportunistic cariogenic pathogens such as Streptococcus mutants embedded within an extracellular matrix form a highly organized biofilm 3D structure. Homeostasis of oral biofilm plays a vital role during caries development according to the ecological plaque hypothesis. Under unfavorable conditions such as excessive sugar intake, an excess of acid is produced by biofilm which resulted in an acid-induced selection, promoting the growth of acidogenic and aciduric microbes including opportunistic cariogenic bacteria. The transition from eubiosis to imbalance finally promotes tooth hard tissue destruction. Thus, controlling biofilms is key to controlling caries. Though caries has been studied for decades, the current situation of this disease is not optimistic. From the perspective of biofilm, firstly, there is a lack of in-depth analysis of pathogenic mechanisms. Besides, mature biofilms are mechanically hard to eliminate and much more resistant to antimicrobial agents than bacterioplankton. Moreover, materials that filling of decayed teeth are short of antimicrobial activity which contributes to secondary caries.

Biofilms in Infection and Disease Control: A Healthcare Handbook outlines the scientific evidence and rationale for the prevention of infection, the role biofilms play in infection control, and the issues concerning their resistance to antimicrobials. This book provides practical guidance for healthcare and infection control professionals, as well as students, for preventing and controlling infection. Biofilms are the most common mode of bacterial growth in nature. Highly resistant to antibiotics and antimicrobials, biofilms are the source of more than 65 percent of health care associated infections (HCAI), which, according to the WHO, affect 1.4 million people annually. Biofilms are involved in 80 percent of all microbial infections in the body, including those associated with medical devices such as catheters, endotracheal tubes, joint prostheses, and heart valves. Biofilms are also the principle causes of infections of the middle-ear, dental caries, gingivitis, prostatitis and cystic fibrosis. Importantly, biofilms also significantly delay wound healing and reduce antimicrobial efficiency in at-risk or infected skin wounds. - Provides specific procedures for controlling and preventing infection - Includes case studies of HCAI, and identifies appropriate treatments - Presents national government standards for infection prevention and control - Includes extensive references and links to websites for further information

Biofilms are highly organized polymicrobial communities that are embedded in an extracellular matrix and formed on natural and artificial surfaces. In the oral cavity, biofilms are formed not only on natural teeth, but also on restorative materials, prosthetic constructions, and dental implants. Oral diseases like caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and also pulp inflammation are associated with biofilms. This publication is an up-to-date overview on oral biofilms from different clinically relevant perspectives. Experts comprising basic researchers and clinicians report on recent research relating to biofilms - from general summaries to recommendations for daily clinical work. This book covers all aspects of oral biofilms, including models used in the laboratory, biofilms in dental water unit lines, periodontal and peri-implant biofilms, caries-related biofilms, halitosis, endodontic biofilms, and Candida infections, as well as biofilms on dental materials and on orthodontic appliances. Several chapters deal with anti-biofilm therapy, from the efficacy of mechanical methods and the use of antimicrobials, to alternative concepts. This publication is particularly recommended to dental medicine students, practitioners, other oral healthcare professionals, and scientists with an interest in translational research on biofilms.

The impact of biofilms within the dental community is apparent, with application to dental caries and periodontal diseases This volume, with contributions by international experts in the field, encompasses both fundamental and clinical aspects and thus provides a valuable reference source for information on biofilm formation and control in the oral as well as in other environments.

Comprehensive Preventive Dentistry provides one user-friendly resource that brings together information on the scientific basis and clinical practice of all aspects of preventive dentistry. This thorough and all-encompassing resource offers techniques and strategies for maintaining excellent oral health in patients through a regimen of preventive measures. Comprehensive Preventive Dentistry is grounded in a patient-centered, pre-emptive, and minimally invasive philosophy. The book begins by covering individual diseases, such as caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer, as well as therapies (sealants, fluoride) and other relevant conditions (toothwear, hypersensitivity). Additionally, concepts such as the role of diet and nutrition in oral health are discussed. Also covered are oral care products and new techological developments in caries diagnosis and risk assessment, periodontal disease and oral cancer, as well as new developments in home care products. A valuable and comprehensive companion that will appeal to dentists and dental hygienists, this helpful new book provides its readers with one authoritative resource that offers a reliable and helpful companion to practicing preventive dentistry.

The interaction of bacteria with biomaterials’ surfaces has critical clinical implications on the development and progression of biofilm-related diseases. In this book "Bacterial Interactions with Dental and Medical Materials", encouraging findings on tissue-contacting biomaterials to control biofilms, enhanced understanding of key mechanisms, and clinical perspectives are discussed toward improving healthcare.

This book provides a survey of recent advances in the development of antibiofilm agents for clinical and environmental applications. The fact that microbes exist in structured communities called biofilms has slowly become accepted within the medical community. We now know that over 80% of all infectious diseases are biofilm-related; however, significant challenges still lie in our ability to diagnose and treat these extremely recalcitrant infections. Written by experts from around the globe, this book offers a valuable resource for medical professionals seeking to treat biofilm-related disease, academic and industry researchers interested in drug discovery and instructors who teach courses on microbial pathogenesis and medical microbiology.