Battling Biofilm

By  Timothy L. Violante, DDS, MS, Abhiram Maddi, DDS, PhD

With the growing rate of antimicrobial resistance and the increasing cost of health care in the United States, an improved understanding of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of biofilm-associated diseases has become a major focus in medical and oral health care. Periodontal diseases and dental caries are two of the most commonly encountered oral diseases, and additional research is needed to better characterize and develop treatment modalities to reduce their destructive nature. Plaque biofilm is a major risk factor in the development and progression of both disease states. Over time, if left untreated, destruction of the tooth and its supporting structures can occur, leading to tooth loss. Periodontal maintenance with periodic recare intervals is critical for the prevention of plaque/biofilm-related diseases and for reinforcing patient self-care.

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