Periodontal gum disease has dramatically changed. Bacterial plaque was always thought to be the cause of Periodontal disease and bone loss. The old theory stated that plaque took 90 days to organize and develop. Dentists and staff taught patients to brush 3x a day, and only floss once a day, with dental teeth cleanings every 3 to 6 months to remove plaque. Through new technology with the confocal laser micrograph and advanced fluorescence microscopy, Periodontal disease is now believed to be caused by bacterial biofilms. Biofilms are resistant to antibiotics and mouth rinses. Surprising developments show that plaque can develop in only 8 hours.
Bad bacteria lives and develops between the teeth. With this knowledge we are suggesting to patients that the patient, not the dentist or dental hygienist, is the main therapist in treating the disease, because of the 8 hour development of biofilms. Plus, genetics play a role in this disease process so many people have some resistance. Trauma from the bite and ill-fitting crowns are the major players in this process of developing gum disease through biofilms.
A bad bacterium develops between the teeth so flossing now becomes as, if not more, important than brushing. New minimum recommendations are to floss at least 3 times per day. Our office may ask some patients to come in every 2 months for dental cleanings, instead of the 3 or 6 month check-up.
The same biofilms in the mouth are the same biofilms associated with cardio-vascular disease and pneumonias. If you have any questions about the above information on biofilms, please call our office to speak to our hygienist, Maria, for the new treatments that we are using.
