Antimicrobial Alternatives Against Resilient Oral Biofilms

As dentistry advances, novel compounds and tools are being developed to maintain oral health and/or treat dental/periodontal infections. Dental caries (tooth decay) requires proper management to avoid this disease and, eventually, tooth extraction.

Extensive literature documents the pathogenic role of certain microorganisms and their ability to persist in the oral cavity as a complex microbial community, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Dental plaque is stubbornly resistant to common cleaning procedures with mouthwashes, toothpastes and toothbrushes, as well as to antimicrobial drugs and host immune defenses. Orthodontic treatments such as orthodontic appliances create additional habitats for microbial growth and further disease.

There is a wide variety of oral pathogens that are commonly found in the mouth, including fungal and bacterial pathogens, many of which are associated with antimicrobial resistance. Continuous development and study of innovative tools and compounds is required to facilitate microbial removal and maintenance of oral homeostasis.

The aim of this book is to examine the effects of innovative antimicrobial compounds against oral biofilms. In line with previous studies, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were chosen as representative members of different groups of pathogens, namely Gram-positive, Gram-negative and fungi, due to their high degree of tolerance to chemical and physical stresses. Ultimately, this book will add to the literature on an important aspect of human health that remains a persistent problem and impacts everyone.