It was reported that microbial cells fixed in the biofilm are 10–1000 times more resistant to antibiotics than the planktonic cells. The antibiotic resistance of the biofilm is associated with several factors, i.e., the ability of the extracellular matrix to serve as the first line of defense against antibiotic attack and the facilitated gene transfer among microorganisms, among others. suggested that diversity in biofilms provides a form of “biological insurance” thereby allowing microbial cells to resist adverse conditions. Microbial populations within the biofilm are involved in a chain of physical, metabolic, and molecular interactions that can modulate antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity. Moreover, due to its peculiar “biogeography”, it is very suitable as a model of an integrated biological microecosystem.īiofilm consortia are characterized by unique architecture and specific features of adhered cells, which are physiologically, metabolically, and morphologically different from their planktonic counterparts. Oral biofilm’s role in the development of various diseases of the oral cavity and throat, including caries, periodontal diseases, endodontic infections, tonsillitis, alveolitis, among others, determines the clinical and biological relevance of studying this system.
Existing ultrasonic/sonic toothbrush models do not significantly differ regarding the removal of dental biofilm and the reduction of gingival inflammation compared with other electrically powered toothbrushes, whereas the manual toothbrushes show a lower effectiveness.ĭental plaque (also called microbial plaque, oral biofilm, dental biofilm) includes highly organized diverse microbial communities attached to the surface of hard tooth tissues. The results of published studies show that electric toothbrushes, which combine ultrasonic and sonic (or acoustic and mechanic) actions, may have the most promising effect on good oral health. We overviewed the physical effects that occurred during brushing and tried to address the question of whether ultrasonic toothbrushes effectively reduced the microbial burden by increasing the hydrodynamic forces. With the variety of toothbrushes on the market, the question arises, which toothbrush is best suited to maintain oral health? This thematic review focuses first on plaque formation mechanisms and then on the plaque removal effectiveness of ultrasonic toothbrushes and their potential in preventing oral diseases like periodontitis, gingivitis, and caries.