As dental biofilm ages, which type of bacteria increases?

As dental biofilm matures and ages, there is an increase in filamentous bacteria. This is primarily due to the ecological changes that occur within the biofilm as it develops. In the early stages of biofilm formation, gram-positive cocci are predominant. However, as the biofilm becomes more complex and matures, filamentous bacteria begin to proliferate. These bacteria play a critical role in the structural and functional organization of the biofilm.

The presence of filamentous bacteria contributes to the stability of the biofilm matrix, allowing for a more diverse microbial community. Their ability to attach to surfaces and other microorganisms enables them to form a thick biofilm, which can resist mechanical disruption and other environmental challenges. Additionally, filamentous bacteria can create a habitat within the biofilm that supports other bacteria and contributes to the biofilm's overall metabolic activity.

In comparison, while other types of bacteria, such as gram-positive cocci and aerobic bacteria, are present at various stages of biofilm development, they do not increase in numbers to the same extent as filamentous bacteria do as the biofilm ages. Yeast cells are not typically a significant component of dental biofilms when compared to bacterial populations, further underscoring the distinctive role of filamentous bacteria