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Review ArticleReview of the Literature

Dental Diagnostics: Molecular Analysis of Oral Biofilms

Sarah Hiyari and Katie M. Bennett
American Dental Hygienists' Association September 2011, 85 (4) 256-263;
Sarah Hiyari
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Katie M. Bennett
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Abstract

Purpose: Dental biofilms are complex, multi–species bacterial communities that colonize the mouth in the form of plaque and are known to cause dental caries and periodontal disease. Biofilms are unique from planktonic bacteria in that they are mutualistic communities with a 3–dimensional structure and complex nutritional and communication pathways. The homeostasis within the biofilm colony can be disrupted, causing a shift in the bacterial composition of the colony and resulting in proliferation of pathogenic species. Because of this dynamic lifestyle, traditional microbiological techniques are inadequate for the study of biofilms. Many of the bacteria present in the oral cavity are viable but not culturable, which severely limits laboratory analysis. However, with the advent of new molecular techniques, the microbial makeup of oral biofilms can be better identified. Some of these techniques include DNA–DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism, denaturing high–performance liquid chromatography and pyrosequencing. This review provides an overview of biofilm formation and examines the major molecular techniques currently used in oral biofilm analysis. Future applications of the molecular analysis of oral biofilms in the diagnosis and treatment of caries and periodontal disease are also discussed.

  • dental biofilm
  • dental plaque
  • oral health
  • PCR
  • bacteria
  • molecular techniques
  • 16S rRNA
  • sequencing

Footnotes

  • Sarah Hiyari, MS, is currently a PhD student in Oral Biology at the University of California Los Angeles, School of Dentistry. Katie Bennett, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Molecular Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Science programs at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Allied Health, in Lubbock, Texas.

  • This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Clinical Dental Hygiene Care: Assess how dental hygienists are using emerging science throughout the dental hygiene process of care.

  • Copyright © 2011 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association
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American Dental Hygienists Association: 85 (4)
American Dental Hygienists' Association
Vol. 85, Issue 4
Fall 2011
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Dental Diagnostics: Molecular Analysis of Oral Biofilms
Sarah Hiyari, Katie M. Bennett
American Dental Hygienists' Association Sep 2011, 85 (4) 256-263;

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Dental Diagnostics: Molecular Analysis of Oral Biofilms
Sarah Hiyari, Katie M. Bennett
American Dental Hygienists' Association Sep 2011, 85 (4) 256-263;
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Keywords

  • dental biofilm
  • dental plaque
  • oral health
  • PCR
  • bacteria
  • molecular techniques
  • 16S rRNA
  • sequencing

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