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Abstract
<p class="first" id="d3045620e105">Biofilms are microbial communities embedded within
an extracellular matrix, forming
a highly organized structure that causes many human infections. Dental caries (tooth
decay) is a polymicrobial biofilm disease driven by the diet and microbiota-matrix
interactions that occur on a solid surface. Sugars fuel the emergence of pathogens,
the assembly of the matrix, and the acidification of the biofilm microenvironment,
promoting ecological changes and concerted multispecies efforts that are conducive
to acid damage of the mineralized tooth tissue. Here, we discuss recent advances in
the role of the biofilm matrix and interactions between opportunistic pathogens and
commensals in the pathogenesis of dental caries. In addition, we highlight the importance
of matrix-producing organisms in fostering a pathogenic habitat where interspecies
competition and synergies occur to drive the disease process, which could have implications
to other infections associated with polymicrobial biofilms.
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