Microscopic Biofilm Analysis
By evaluating your biofilm under a microscope, we can identify the bacteria's shape, type, quantity, and activity in your mouth. This allows us to have an objective approach in determining your risk for periodontal disease and certain systemic diseases and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Your microscopic slide can show us various levels of bacteria activity:
- Healthy: No pathogenic bacteria.
- Gingivitis: increased level of bacteria, including rods associated with bleeding and swollen gums, and increased white blood cells due to your immune system's response.
- Early Periodontitis: high level of harmful bacteria activity. Rods and Spirochetes are responsible for an increase in bleeding and destructive pocket formation. Red blood cells are often seen at this stage.
- Severe Periodontitis: extremely high level of bacteria forming dangerous colonies. Protozoa are visible indicative of acute infection. This infection spreads to the bone beneath the gums, and bone loss occurs. Your immune system is compromised, and bacteria can easily penetrate your bloodstream, causing chronic system inflammation.
Back