Table 1.

The process of biofilm development and anti-biofilm strategies.

Stage of biofilm formation	Target	Strategy
1. Bacterial adhesion	Adherence site	Coat tooth surfaces with molecules that block the attachment
2. Coaggregation and matrix production	Surface receptor and metabolism of microorganisms	Coat surfaces with substances that interfere with matrix production
3. Cell-to-cell signaling for multiplication	Quorum sensing	Deliver signal blockers to interrupt matrix formation
4. Maturation	Microorganisms and extracellular matrix	Mechanical elimination and/or chemical controls