Improving Oral Health with Guided Biofilm Therapy for Children
Oral health is an essential part of overall health, especially for children, as it sets the foundation for healthy adult teeth and gums. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dental caries are the most common chronic disease among children worldwide, with about 60% to 90% of school-aged children having dental cavities. Poor oral hygiene practices and lack of professional dental care are the leading causes of dental caries. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a highly effective and innovative dental procedure that can improve the oral health of children and prevent dental cavities.
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)?
GBT is a dental procedure that is based on the principle of dental biofilm management. Biofilm is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surface of teeth and other oral tissues. The bacteria in the biofilm produce acids that break down the enamel, resulting in dental caries and gum disease. GBT is a minimally invasive and comprehensive approach to remove this biofilm and associated debris from the teeth and gum tissues.
GBT involves a combination of techniques, including air polishing, ultrasonic scaling, and antimicrobial therapy. The procedure includes the following steps:
1. Assessment: The dentist examines the oral conditions of the child, such as the presence of dental caries, gingivitis, or periodontitis, and evaluates the extent and location of the biofilm.
2. Air polishing: Air polishing is a process that uses high-pressure air and a specially designed nozzle to spray a fine jet of water, air, and an abrasive powder onto the teeth. The air-polishing procedure helps to remove the stains, plaque, and biofilm that are present on the tooth surface.
3. Ultrasonic scaling: Ultrasonic scaling is a process that involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to remove debris and plaque from the tooth surface. The ultrasonic scaler device has a tip that vibrates and produces energy that helps break down the biofilm.
4. Antimicrobial therapy: Antimicrobial therapy is a process that involves the application of an antimicrobial agent to the tooth’s surface to kill the remaining bacteria that are not removed by air polishing and ultrasonic scaling. The antimicrobial agent used in GBT is usually a fluoride gel, which helps to protect the teeth against future biofilm growth.
Benefits of GBT for Children
GBT has several benefits for children, including:
1. Prevention of dental caries: GBT effectively removes the biofilm and debris that are responsible for dental cavities, preventing the development of further caries.
2. Improved oral hygiene: GBT removes the built-up debris, which can be difficult to remove, resulting in better oral hygiene.
3. Minimal invasive procedure: GBT is a minimally invasive procedure, resulting in less pain, discomfort, and bleeding, making it well-tolerated by children.
4. Increased comfort: GBT is a comfortable and painless procedure, which can provide a relaxing dental experience for children.
5. Cost-effective: GBT is a cost-effective procedure that helps prevent future dental problems, saving parents the cost of more extensive dental treatments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GBT is a comprehensive and minimally invasive procedure that can improve the oral health of children and prevent dental caries. Regular dental check-ups, combined with GBT, can significantly improve the dental health of children and promote good oral hygiene practices for life. Parents should consult a dental professional for more guided biofilm therapy information on GBT and discuss the benefits and risks associated with this innovative dental procedure.