Perio Microbiology 7: Biofilm and Treatment

Question 1

Why do we say that Biofilm causes gingivitis?

Answer 1

Because it is necessary and SUFFICIENT for the development of plaque induced gingivitis

Question 2

How have we proved that biofilm causes gingivitis?

Answer 2

Gingivitis is induced in 100% of people who stop oral hygiene within 10-21 days

Reinstitution of oral hygiene results in healty gingiva and re-establishment of original flora within 1 week

Question 3

If Biofilm causes gingivitis, why do we say it is just a primary contributor to periodontitis?

Answer 3

Biofilm is necessary but not sufficient to cause Periodontitis

Question 4

If Biofilm alone isn’t enough to cause perio disease where do we look?

Answer 4

Host response factors. Periodisease is a chronic bacterial infection that is multifactorial.

Question 5

How do we know that Biofilm alone is not enough?

Answer 5

Because some people with heavy plaque never progress to periodontitis

Question 6

Why do we treat all gingivitis sites?

Answer 6

Because we cannot predict which sites will progress to Perio Disease

Question 7

What are the 2 goals of Therapy

Answer 7

Reduce organization and mass of biofilm

Create shallow gingival crevices, which are inhospitable to anaerobic microbes. (And cleanable)