Recent microbiological investigations completely changed our understanding of the role of biofilm in the formation of the mucosal immune barrier and in pathogenesis of chronic inflammation of bacterial etiology. It is now clear that formation of bacterial biofilm on dental surfaces is characteristic for existence of oral microbial communities. It has also been proved that uncontrolled biofilms on dental tissues, as well as on different biomaterials (e.g. orthodontic appliances), are the main cause of dental diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis. The aim of this paper is to explain mechanisms and consequences of orthodontic biofilm formation. We will discuss current opinions on the influence of different biomaterials employed for orthodontic treatment in biofilm formation and new strategies employed in prevention and elimination of oral biofilm ("dental plaque").
antibiotic resistance is a common problem accompanying biofilm-associated chronic infections. new therapeutic strategies are based on a combined application of antiseptics with anti-biofilm agents. Taurine haloamines, taurine chloramine (Taucl) and taurine bromamine (TauBr), show antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been examined in a variety of local infections, including biofilm-associated infections. in contrast to beneficial antimicrobial effects of taurine haloamines against the planktonic form of bacteria, their efficacy against bacteria hidden in biofilm need to be enhanced. one possibility is to use them together with agents capable of destroying components of biofilm matrix. in this study we ask a question whether Taucl or TauBr are effective in killing streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, major oral bacteria responsible for the development of dental plaque and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Moreover, we have examined TauBr and Taucl stability in the presence of n-acetylcysteine (nac) and dnase, agents with known anti-biofilm activity. We have found that TauBr was much stronger than Taucl microbicidal agent against both tested bacterial strains. however, TauBr was less stable than Taucl. nac readily decomposed TauBr but not Taucl. in addition, TauBr inhibited dnase activity, when used in excess. This preliminary study confirms previous opinions that taurine haloamines have great potential in killing oral bacteria. however, further studies are necessary to find anti-biofilm agent(s) which together with Taucl/TauBr will give at least an additive therapeutic effect in the treatment of chronic infections, to support or replace ineffective antibiotic therapy.
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