Oral Biofilms in Health and Disease

This book presents state-of-the-art information on the fundamentals of oral biofilm formation. The reader learns about adhesion and early colonization of polymicrobial communities, the biochemistry and function of the oral biofilm matrix, cooperative interactions, as well as antagonism among microbes within oral biofilms. The past decade has brought major technological advancements in molecular and microscopy technologies changing our understanding of oral biofilms in health and disease. International experts comprehensively describe key strategies and techniques for studying oral biofilms in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo, including imaging, model systems and omics approaches. In addition, the book provides an up-to-date overview of oral biofilms and associated diseases. Innovative antibiofilm strategies are also addressed. These span from eradication or modulation of oral biofilms as a prevention strategy, and nonantibiotic or antibiotic-supplementing approaches such as quorum sensing inhibition, nanoparticles and pre-and probiotics. The book is a useful introduction to the field for early career scientists interested in basic and translational research on oral biofilms. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists and clinicians working in dentistry and oral health research, as it gives them a broader view of the topic beyond their area of specialization.