Biofilm is a protective housing that harbors bacteria in the mouth. When the biofilm forms, it makes it difficult for routine antibiotics to combat bacterial infections. As a result, bacterial infections get more resistant and tolerable to antibiotics due to the communication allowed among the bacteria in the biofilm.
Many people would ask why dental biofilm is such a hot topic. Well, biofilm is found in your mouth, it is, therefore, important to note that you can have healthy or diseased biofilm. These biofilms are both made of general compounds that are the same, however, when certain cellular chemicals and amino acids get in contact the diseased biofilm dominates and causes destructive harm.
Pyorrhea or Gum Disease
A common biofilm disease is gum disease which is also known as pyorrhea or periodontal disease. It is very crucial to complete the treatment plan for this disease to avoid progression caused by the biofilm, which we have established cannot be combated by antibiotics. However, there are different ways to combat biofilm disease.
Healthy Biofilm
A healthy biofilm is important as it acts as a barrier by maintaining good bacteria which, in turn, protects your body. It is also important to note that every twenty minutes the bacteria housed in the biofilm is replicated. Low levels of hydrogen peroxide are produced by healthy bacteria in the biofilm which prevents residual harmful bacteria that do not thrive in oxygen. We should all maintain healthy biofilm.
Dental Checkups
During your dental visit to our dental office, an Ultrasonic or Piezo Scaler is used by spraying water which disrupts the biofilm and provides an opening to combat the bacteria causing the infection. Your teeth are also measured for pockets that harbor harmful bacteria since numerous and deeper pockets lack oxygen. Be aware of your pockets in order to maintain a healthy biofilm. Visit us today if you want to understand more about oral bacteria and the role it plays in your oral health.
Biofilm is a protective housing that harbors bacteria in the mouth. When the biofilm forms, it makes it difficult for routine antibiotics to combat bacterial infections. As a result, bacterial infections get more resistant and tolerable to antibiotics due to the communication allowed among the bacteria in the biofilm.