Modern views on the role of a biofilm in oral pathologies

Background. Research has shown that more than 80% of infections, including inflammatory oral pathologies, are caused by microbial biofilms. Recent scientific research proves the rationale of the pattern and properties of biofilms as one of the main factors of the biological balance of the oral cavity and possible factors of its imbalance. Purpose – to determine the level of scientific knowledge based on literature data on the formation and functioning of biofilms in different ecological and biological conditions and their perspectives. Materials and Methods. 37 literature sources were reviewed. This article has a literature review of the current understanding of biofilms in dentistry, their role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory oral pathologies, and their prevention techniques. Results. The article presents the results of the role of biofilms in the pathogenesis of inflammatory periodontal diseases, the role of a biofilm in endodontics; in that context, some authors consider chronic apical periodontitis to be an infection caused by intracanal biofilms. The oral colonization by microbial biofilms is active in case of removable dentures; this is due to the oral conditions (temperature, pH, levels of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, as well as the toxic effect of the denture base on the mucosa, which i ncreases the adhesion of pathogens). The review has data on the role of biofilms in dentistry, their development, the behaviour of microorganisms in biofilms, and the article also justifies the need for further studies of biofilms to determine the aetiology and pathogenesis of mouth inflammations. Conclusions. In view of the aforesaid, biofilms should be carefully studied, since they provide a complete picture of the aetiology and pathogenesis of mouth inflammations. Having carefully studied biofilms, we can take targeted therapeutic measures by breaking the complex chains of microbial activity and behaviour.