When Biofillm Strikes: How, Why & What to Do

The presence of biofilm in the mouth can wreak havoc. If not removed regularly, it can transform into a pathogenic bacterial complex, becoming difficult to remove and resulting in oral diseases — most notably gingivitis, periodontitis and dental caries. Clinical protocols designed to disrupt biofilm, such as ultrasonics and polishing, are a mainstay of dental hygienists, helping to remove biofilm before it matures and threatens oral health. Join Dr. Joy Void-Holmes, a hygienist, educator and published author, as she shares essential steps for effective biofilm removal to help patients achieve the best clinical outcomes using the most current protocols, technologies and tools. Participants will learn about: • The etiology of oral disease; specifically, periodontal and caries disease • Benefits of using a staged approach for deposit removal • Protocols that assist with the removal of calculus, biofilm and stain • Tools that have proven efficacy, such as the use of ultrasonics, air polishing and specific polishing pastes • The advantages of selecting and using appropriate ultrasonic tips and power settings, including a review of proper techniques and maintenance needed to increase scaling efficiency • Ethical polishing practices