What is dental biofilm primarily composed of?

Dental biofilm is primarily composed of a dense, sticky mixture of saliva, oral bacteria, and other substances such as food particles and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by the bacteria themselves. This complex community forms a biofilm on tooth surfaces, where bacteria adhere and proliferate. This is significant in the context of dental health because the accumulation and maturation of dental biofilm can lead to various oral health issues, such as dental caries and periodontal disease. Understanding the composition of dental biofilm helps dental professionals in devising effective cleaning and prevention strategies.

The other options refer to different concepts in dental health. While mineralized substances with calcium and phosphate relate to dental calculus, they are not the primary components of biofilm. The mention of a film acting as a barrier at the cervical third is not an accurate characterization of biofilm, as biofilm covers all exposed tooth surfaces rather than serving only a protective function. Lastly, while certain bacteria within the biofilm can be cavity-causing, biofilm itself encompasses a broader spectrum of organisms and components beyond just those that cause cavities.