Abstract

GUIDED BIOFILM THERAPY (GBT)

Dr. Shyam Sharma K.*, Dr. Jaishree Tukaram Kshirsagar, Dr. Sathyasree M., Dr. Richardson I., Dr. Meghana T., Dr. Vinu Priya P. and Dr. Mohamed Riyaz J.

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Abstract

Overview of Periodontal Diseases Periodontal diseases, which include conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis, have become a significant public health issue across the globe. These diseases, which impact the structures supporting the teeth, are primarily caused by microbial biofilms, often referred to as dental plaque. Gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, is marked by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, a more severe condition that involves loss of connective tissue and bone around the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. Peri-implantitis, similarly, affects dental implants, where biofilm accumulation leads to inflammation, bone loss, and failure of the implant. Studies show that nearly half of adults worldwide are affected by some form of periodontal disease, with a significant increase in severity as the population ages (Rajesh et al., 2023). The primary causative agent of periodontal diseases is dental biofilm, which is a structured community of bacteria that adheres to the tooth surfaces, forming a matrix that protects the bacteria from both host defenses and antimicrobial treatments. Over time, the biofilm becomes increasingly pathogenic, producing toxins that lead to tissue inflammation and bone resorption (Yin et al., 2023). This matrix, composed not only of bacterial colonies but also extracellular matrix, makes the biofilm particularly resilient and difficult to treat with conventional methods (Mishra et al., 2023).

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