Biofilm in dental biomaterials: A review

All dental treatment using biomaterials in the body can affect the host in both positive and negative ways. Oral biofilms attach onto both teeth surfaces and dental material surfaces in oral cavities. This may impair oral health as well as general health of the patient.The composition of the microbiota and the formation of biofilm in relation to biomaterials such as, surface roughness that provide favourable interface for bacterial colonization. Moreover, the factors like surface free energy, hydrophobicity and chemical composition also have a significant influence on the formation of oral biofilms. The aim of this review article is to give an overview of the scientific literature regarding the association between the properties of dental biomaterials and oral biofilm formation, with emphasis on current research and future perspectives. Keywords: Amalgam; biofilm; biomaterials; composites; glass ionomer cement