Implications of oral biofilms in medically at risk persons☆

There is the need to understand the composition of oral biofilms so that appropriate preventive and treatment regimens, including using appropriate antimicrobials, can be developed further. Additionally, when the systemic effects from specific microorganisms in oral biofilms are better understood, more targeted preventive treatment options may be recommended for persons at high risk for potential systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, and for aspiration pneumonia. Hence, the possible association between periodontopathic microorganisms, and also between cariogenic microorganisms in high caries risk persons, and systemic diseases requires further research involving metagenomic and large well-designed clinical studies. Effective preventive oral care is important for reducing potential systemic diseases.