Abstract

ROLE OF SUPRA-GINGIVAL PLAQUE IN THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PERIODONTITIS

*Dr. Sandhya Gnanasambandam, Dr. K. Malathi, Dr. Varshini S. and Dr. Hima Bindu Reddy C.

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Abstract

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was the first person to describe oral bacteria. Since then, extensive research has been performed regarding the development and microbiology of dental plaques. In spite of the complexity of the developing flora of supragingival plaque, culture studies have shown a remarkably orderly succession of organisms. The concept of microbial specificity in the aetiology of periodontal diseases suggest that qualitatively distinct dental plaques are associated with different forms of periodontal disease. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of the cultivable microflora reveal that only a small number of species found in the human subgingival plaques are associated with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can be treated by acombination of mechanical wound debridement and the application of an antimicrobial agent. The effectiveness of mechanical anti-infective therapy and successful oral hygiene has met the success in clinical practice for most cases of periodontitis in adults. This literature review highlights about supragingival plaque and its role in Periodontitis.

Keywords: Supragingival plaque, microflora, periodontal disease, antimicrobial agent.