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Concurrent Quantification of Cellular and Extracellular Components of Biofilms
Published on: December 10, 2013
Difference in initial dental biofilm accumulation between night and day
Irene Dige1, Sebastian Schlafer, Bente Nyvad
1Department of Dental Pathology, Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Aarhus Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark. idige@odont.au.dk
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
|December 1, 2011
Summary
Dental biofilm accumulation shows significant diurnal variation, with higher bacterial counts and streptococcal proportions observed during daytime. This suggests a decrease in biofilm formation at night, potentially due to nutrient availability.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Dental biofilm research
- Diurnal variations in microbial ecology
Background:
- Dental biofilms are implicated in oral diseases.
- Previous research often overlooks diurnal variations in biofilm formation.
- Understanding de novo biofilm accumulation is crucial for oral health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diurnal variations in bacterial accumulation on dental surfaces.
- To test the hypothesis of a difference in biofilm formation rates between day and night.
Main Methods:
- In situ collection of dental biofilms from healthy individuals over 12-hour day and night periods.
- Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for bacterial identification.
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and stereological analysis for quantification.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher total bacterial numbers and biovolume in daytime biofilms compared to nighttime biofilms (p=0.012).
- Increased proportion of streptococci in daytime biofilms; no significant difference for Actinomyces naeslundii.
- Considerable inter-individual variation in biofilm coverage and composition.
Conclusions:
- Initial dental biofilm formation is reduced during the night.
- Salivary nutrient availability may influence diurnal variations in biofilm development.
- Findings are critical for interpreting population dynamics in experimental dental biofilm studies.
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