An unhealthy balance of periodontal bacteria is at the source of the disease
Periodontitis is caused by layers of bacteria called microbial plaque, or 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.
- 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)
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 periodontal infection.
In a healthier mouth there is a high ratio of actinomyces bacteria (blue, in the top chart) to RCB. In refractory disease, there is more red complex disease than actinomyces.
Why isn't scaling and root planing enough to eliminate persistent periodontal infections? Learn about the need for more comprehensive treatment.
