Red Complex Bacteria’s Role in Periodontitis

Periodontitis is caused by layers of bacteria called microbial plaque, or dental biofilms, that adhere to and grow on tooth surfaces, particularly in areas below the gum line. Specific bacteria called red complex bacteria (RCB) are strongly associated with periodontal infection. The RCB are: P gingivalis, T denticola, and T forsythia.

  • Red complex baterica (RCB) are more prevalent in patients with periodontal disease
  • A direct association exists between an unhealthy balance of RCB and increased pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP)
Red Complex Bacteria Chart

Clinical signs of RCB and periodontal infection include inflammation and bleeding on probing.

Hear Dr. Sigmund Socransky, an expert from Forsythe University, explain the sequential development of bacteria species in the oral cavity, and the unhealthy balance seen in active periodontitis.

Prevalence of red complex bacteria in periodontitis vs healthy patients

In a healthier mouth there is a high ratio of actinomyces bacteria (pink, in the top chart) to RCB. In periodontitis, there is more red complex bacteria than actinomyces.

Why isn't scaling and root planing enough to eliminate periodontitis? Learn about the need for more comprehensive periodontitis treatment.

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D. DiGiallorenzo, DMD
Plymouth Meeting, PA

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ARESTIN® is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis. ARESTIN® may be used as part of a periodontal maintenance program, which includes good oral hygiene and SRP.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

ARESTIN® should not be used in any patient who has a known sensitivity to minocycline or tetracyclines. The use of drugs of the tetracycline class during tooth development may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth, and therefore should not be used in children or in pregnant or nursing women. Hypersensitivity reactions that included, but were not limited to, anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, urticaria, rash, swelling of the face and pruritus have been reported with the use of ARESTIN®. In clinical trials, the most frequently reported nondental treatment-emergent adverse events were headache, infection, flu syndrome and pain.

Please see Full Prescribing Information

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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