Mapping the Landscape of Clinical Trials on Oral Biofilm: A Bibliometric Analysis

Oral biofilms, complex communities of bacteria, contribute to the development of dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral infections. Research on oral biofilms is crucial due to their significant impact on dental and overall health. This bibliometric analysis examines trends in clinical trials focused on oral biofilm, utilizing PubMed data from 1994 to 2024. The number of publications on this topic has steadily increased, reflecting ongoing research interest and activity. Notably, the leading authors in this field include Cury JA and Del Bel Cury AA, who have contributed significantly to the literature. Co-authorship analysis identified distinct clusters of collaboration. Clinical Oral Investigations has published the highest number of clinical trials on oral biofilm, followed by Caries Research and the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. The analysis also reveals that Brazil leads in scientific production, followed by the United States, Italy, and China, indicating a global research effort in understanding and managing oral biofilms. Keyword cooccurrence analysis identified several clusters focusing on various aspects of oral biofilm, including microbiology, treatment outcomes, and preventive measures. Over the years, research has evolved from pharmacological interventions to advanced methodologies like image processing and computerassisted analysis. Notable trends include a focus on bacterial adhesion, dental plaque microbiology, and the efficacy of biofilm treatments. Recent studies have also explored novel agents such as probiotics and chlorhexidine, suggesting ongoing innovation in biofilm management strategies. Overall, this analysis underscores the dynamic nature of oral biofilm research, broadening the scope of topics and methodologies to enhance oral health outcomes through preventive and therapeutic approaches. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 03 July’24 Page : 579-596