Oral Health and Maxillofacial Research

ABSTRACT

The formation of oral biofilms on dental implants presents substantial challenges in oral healthcare, leading to complications such as peri-implantitis. Quorum sensing (QS), a microbial communication mechanism, is pivotal in the development, virulence, and antibiotic resistance of biofilms in oral pathogens. This review aims to elucidate the potential of harnessing QS mechanisms to develop advanced strategies for disrupting oral biofilms on dental implants. Initially, the stages of biofilm formation and their pathogenicity are explored, with a focus on their impact on dental implants. The intricacies of QS pathways in key oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, are then detailed, emphasizing their role in biofilm maturation and resistance. Various molecular techniques for studying QS, including genetic and biochemical methods, are examined, along with the identification and characterization of QS molecules and receptors. The review further investigates QS disruption strategies, including quorum sensing inhibitors (QSI), enzymatic degradation of QS molecules, and the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and nanotechnology-based approaches. Clinical applications of QS-based therapies are discussed, addressing their efficacy and safety, potential resistance mechanisms, and long-term effectiveness. Regulatory and ethical considerations in the development and use of QS-targeted therapies are also considered. Future directions include the integration of personalized treatment approaches based on individual microbiome profiles and exploring synergistic effects with conventional antimicrobial treatments. This review underscores the promise of QS-targeted strategies in enhancing dental implant success rates and advocates for ongoing research and interdisciplinary collaboration to translate these findings into clinical practice.

KEYWORDS

1. Dental implants
2. Oral biofilms
3. Peri-implantitis
4. Quorum sensing (QS)
5. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSI)