Advanced Dental Biofilm

Summary

This script describes a detailed microscopic examination of subgingival dental plaque, revealing a highly organized biofilm teeming with movement. The presence of amoebas, such as Entamoeba gingivalis, indicates advanced oral disease. The video captures various microorganisms, including bacteria with wave-like movements for nutrient and waste exchange, and trichomonads with flagella. The intriguing observation of an amoeba engulfing a spirochete, typically not preyed upon, highlights the complex interactions within the oral microbiome. The script emphasizes the diversity of bacteria in the mouth and the challenges in fully identifying and sequencing them.

Takeaways

• 🦠 The script describes a sub gingival dental plaque sample, which is a highly organized advanced biofilm with a lot of movement.
• 🔍 An amoeba is observed pushing its way through the biofilm, which is indicative of a very advanced disease state in the oral cavity.
• 🌊 The biofilm exhibits wave-like movements, which are thought to help distribute nutrients and remove waste products.
• 📡 At higher magnification, multiple amoebas and their unique movement patterns are visible, distinguishing them from other organisms.
• 🔬 The video shows two trichomonas organisms with flagella, appearing to be trapped and moving in a synchronized manner within the plaque.
• 👨‍🔬 The speaker adjusts the microscope settings to better observe and contrast the activity within the biofilm.
• 🍽️ A detailed view of an amoeba's food vacuole is provided, showing the ingestion of a spirochete, which is unusual as these are not typically consumed by amoebas.
• 🧬 It is mentioned that there are possibly hundreds of different types of bacteria living in the mouth at any one time, with technology not yet able to sequence all of them.
• 🧐 The script highlights the complexity of oral microbiota, with companies offering DNA sampling to identify pathogenic bacteria.
• 🔴 The food vacuole within an amoeba contains a trapped spirochete, suggesting the amoeba may have consumed a white blood cell that contained it.
• 🤔 The fate of the spirochete within the amoeba is uncertain, as amoebas are known to dissolve and excrete toxins from ingested material.
• 📝 The patient from whom the sample was taken decided against treatment, which the speaker finds quite surprising given the advanced state of the biofilm.

Q & A

What is a subgingival dental plaque?

A subgingival dental plaque is a highly organized advanced biofilm that forms below the gumline, consisting of a complex community of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Why are amoebas in the oral cavity a cause for concern?

Amoebas, such as Entamoeba gingivalis, are indicative of a very advanced disease state in the oral cavity and are not typically found there, suggesting a severe infection or disease.

What is the significance of the wave-like movement observed in the biofilm?

The wave-like movement in the biofilm is a coordinated action of bacteria that helps distribute nutrients and remove waste products, which is essential for the survival and growth of the biofilm.

What are trichomonas and how do they behave in the plaque sample?

Trichomonas are a type of microorganism that can be found in dental plaque. They appear to be beating their flagella in an attempt to move, but are often pressed together in the dense biofilm, resembling an irregular beating heart.

How many different types of bacteria are estimated to be living in the mouth at any one time?

It is estimated that there are six to seven hundred different types of bacteria possibly living in the mouth at any one time.

What is a food vacuole and why is it significant in the amoeba?

A food vacuole is a part of the amoeba where it stores and digests food. It is significant because it can contain engulfed microorganisms, such as white blood cells or spirochetes, which the amoeba digests.

What is unique about the interaction between the amoeba and the spirochete in the food vacuole?

The interaction is unique because it is uncommon for an amoeba to ingest a spirochete, as they are both considered pathogenic microorganisms, and typically do not consume each other.

What does the speaker imply about the current state of technology in identifying oral bacteria?

The speaker implies that while technology has advanced to the point where some companies can perform DNA sampling to identify pathogenic bacteria, it has not yet reached a stage where all the different types of bacteria in the mouth can be sequenced and identified.

Why did the speaker adjust the microscope settings despite being instructed not to?

The speaker, identifying as a 'good geek', adjusted the microscope settings to improve contrast and gain a better view of the biofilm, despite being instructed not to alter the settings too much.

What is the significance of the amoeba's ability to dissolve and excrete toxins from ingested material?

The ability of the amoeba to dissolve and excrete toxins is significant as it demonstrates the complex interactions and processes within the oral biofilm, which can impact the overall health and disease progression in the oral cavity.