Biofilm Antimicrobial Resistance — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: C — The extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix reducing antibiotic penetration
The extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix of dental biofilm (plaque) acts as a physical barrier that reduces penetration of antimicrobial agents, including antibiotics, chlorhexidine, and host immune molecules. Bacteria within biofilm can be 1000x more resistant to antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts. This is why mechanical disruption of biofilm (brushing, flossing, scaling) is essential — chemical agents alone cannot adequately control mature dental biofilm.
Reference: Lamont – Oral Microbiology and Immunology, 3rd ed., 2019