Cleaning technologies for dental plaque

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Biofilms are microbial communities embedded within extracellular matrix, forming a highly organized structure that causes many human infections. It is increasing recognized that the physical properties of extracellular components facilitating the assembly of 3D multicellular structures that encompass a series of microenvironments and enabling resistance to both mechanical and chemical methods of clearance. Therefore, the physico-chemical property affects microbial behaviour and virulence as well as the tolerance of chemical and mechanical clearance. Dental plaque, a structurally and functionally organised biofilm, grows on tooth surface, remains stable and hardens by calcification over time. Oral Care consumers show strong needs to clean off the hardened plaque. However, our knowledge and measures are very limited on the mechanical properties of biofilm. Aim & Objectives:To design innovative oral care products that help the general public in improving their wellbeing, and the overall appearance, this project aims to establish a mechanistic understanding of the physico-chemical properties of the dental plaque, its formation, growing and hardening process, which underpins the development of superior new technologies in prevention/removing the plaque.