Final answer:
The most important contributor to biofilms in plaque is Streptococcus mutans, which adheres to tooth surfaces and produces biofilms, leading to dental plaque and tooth decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pathogen that is the most important contributor to biofilms in plaque is Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is well-known for its role in the formation of dental plaque, where it adheres to the tooth surface and produces a biofilm. S. mutans also produces acid as a byproduct of carbohydrate fermentation, which can lead to tooth decay.
In the context of oral health, S. mutans can cause inflammation and infection, contributing to more serious conditions such as atherosclerosis when they enter the bloodstream. The development of biofilms allows this pathogen to attach tightly to surfaces in the mouth and makes it more difficult to remove. These biofilms are also protective against the immune system and may inhibit the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Dental plaque is the community of microorganisms found on a tooth surface as a biofilm, embedded in a matrix of polymers of host and bacterial origin. Of clinical relevance is the fact that biofilms are less susceptible to antimicrobial agents, while microbial communities can display enhanced pathogenicity (pathogenic synergism). The structure of the plaque biofilm might restrict the penetration of antimicrobial agents, while bacteria growing on a surface grow slowly and display a novel phenotype, one consequence of which is a reduced sensitivity to inhibitors .