Oral microbiology has rapidly advanced our understanding of how biofilms are crucial contributors to the initiation and persistence of oral diseases. Oral biofilms colonize hard and soft tissues, facilitating conditions such as dental caries, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and opportunistic fungal infections. Their complex structure, metabolic interplay, and production of protective extracellular matrices make these biofilms remarkably resistant to both host immune responses and standard antimicrobial therapies. While cutting-edge techniques, including multi-omics, high-resolution imaging, and sophisticated in vitro models, now allow the exploration of biofilm composition and function in unprecedented detail, a persistent challenge is translating these discoveries into clinical advances. Despite numerous studies on microbial diversity and community shifts, substantial gaps remain regarding spatial organization, inter kingdom synergy, and host–microbe interactions at the biofilm interface.
This Research Topic aims to unravel the mechanisms by which biofilm formation, metabolic activity, and intercellular signaling promote the onset of oral disease and drive chronic infection. The objective is to spotlight the latest evidence on microbial cooperation, host responses, and the pathways that enable pathogenic transitions. We seek submissions that elucidate targets for intervention, such as key metabolic pathways, microbial communication systems, and structural components of biofilms. Contributions that connect laboratory findings with patient data, examine the efficacy of next-generation mitigation strategies, or provide a roadmap from ecological theory to clinical practice are particularly encouraged. Through this interdisciplinary focus, the Topic seeks to inform personalized, sustainable strategies for maintaining oral health and combating antimicrobial resistance.
We encourage manuscripts addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Mechanisms driving dysbiosis, including quorum sensing, matrix development, and persister cell formation o The influence of interkingdom dynamics (bacteria–fungi–viruses) on biofilm resilience and disease severity o Host determinants such as saliva chemistry, immune modulation, and genetic predispositions impact biofilm behavior o Application of multi-omics, advanced imaging, and microfluidic models for spatial and functional biofilm insights o Preventive interventions, including dietary strategies, probiotics, and oral hygiene innovations o Development and assessment of novel therapeutics: anti-biofilm enzymes, EPS disruptors, phage/CRISPR therapy, photodynamic and cold plasma approaches o Innovations in biomaterial design, innovative dental device coatings, and anti-fouling technologies o Nanoparticles as precision tools for disrupting oral biofilms and enhancing therapeutic delivery o Clinical translation, including novel diagnostics, risk assessment methods, and personalized mitigation strategies
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
