Exploring the Antigingivitis Armamentarium

By Salayne Formica Escalante, BS, RDH, MSDH

Biofilm is a complex, three-dimensional arrangement of bacteria—both Gram-negative and Gram-positive—that lives communally as a matrix system (Figure 1). When allowed to proliferate, anaerobic bacteria dominate. Oral biofilm is found in the oral cavity, on natural and artificial teeth/prostheses, and in dental unit waterlines. If pathogenic bacteria are allowed to thrive in the mouth, gingivitis is initiated, which can progress to periodontitis. Antimicrobial mouthrinses can be helpful in the effort to control biofilm, especially for patients with limited ability to effectively perform daily oral hygiene tasks.^1–11

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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