What is biofilm?

Biofilm is defined as a complex community of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. This community can include bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa, which interact with each other and their environment. Biofilms are commonly found in natural environments, like rivers and lakes, as well as man-made settings, such as pipelines and dental surfaces.

The structure of biofilms allows microorganisms to share nutrients, communicate through signaling molecules, and protect themselves from environmental stresses, including antibiotics and the immune system. This is particularly relevant in dental hygiene, as biofilms are integral to the formation of dental plaque, which can lead to dental caries and periodontal disease if not managed properly.

In contrast, a single bacterial cell represents just one microorganism and does not encapsulate the interactions and community behavior characteristic of biofilms. A type of virus does not accurately describe the nature of biofilm, which consists of living cells rather than viral elements. Lastly, while there are dental products aimed at disrupting or cleaning biofilm, the term biofilm itself specifically refers to the microbial community rather than a product.