Identify & Destroy! Synergistic Pathogenic Biofilm Management

Posted on November 22, 2019May 20, 2021 by Karen Davis RDH, BSDH

Synergy is the combined effect of two things being greater than either one independently. As a veteran of managing periodontal diseases, that is how I view salivary diagnostics and Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT). With salivary diagnostics I can identify specific pathogens thriving in my patient’s biofilm, and through the process of GBT I am able to dismantle and destroy those pathogens. This is synergy at its best. Quick review of pathogenic biofilm, then we can focus on GBT and salivary...

Exchanging Spit and What Else?

Posted on January 19, 2018May 19, 2021 by Karen Davis RDH, BSDH

Recently, I had a patient who presented with generalized gingivitis. Her husband was also recently diagnosed and treated for generalized chronic periodontitis. She asked the familiar question “How did I get gingivitis? I brush and floss every day.” These questions opened the door for an interesting discussion about her risk factors. She has two children under the age of 4 and she works full time as a nurse. Both of these contribute to her disrupted and inadequate sleep patterns. She is overw...