What Is Guided Biofilm Therapy?

A person smiles widely after a dental cleaning. We can see what their teeth look like before and after having their teeth cleaned.

When it comes to oral health, prevention is always better than cure. While daily brushing and flossing are important, there are areas in your mouth that are easy to miss, allowing biofilm—a sticky layer of bacteria—to thrive. 

This is where guided biofilm therapy (GBT) comes in, a progressive approach to professional dental hygiene that focuses on precision, comfort, and effective cleaning.GBT focuses on being gentle on your mouth so you can avoid the anxiety and discomfort that can come with a trip to the dentist. 

What Is Biofilm?

Knowing what biofilm is and why it's important can help you understand the benefits of guided biofilm therapy. Biofilm forms when bacteria in your mouth stick to tooth surfaces, gums, and even dental work like crowns or braces. It’s invisible at first but can harden into tartar if not removed, leading to various oral health problems. 

Why Is Biofilm a Problem? 

Biofilm can serve as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria when left unchecked. The build-up of bacteria can lead to issues such as:

  • Cavities: The bacteria in biofilm produces acid that erodes tooth enamel
  • Gum disease: Biofilm near the gumline can cause inflammation, leading to gingivitis or periodontitis
  • Bad breath: The accumulation of bacteria is one of the main culprits of halitosis

Removing biofilm is essential for maintaining a healthy, clean mouth, but traditional dental cleanings often rely solely on tactile methods to detect and remove it. GBT changes that. 

A person smiles widely after a dental cleaning. We can see what their teeth look like before and after having their teeth cleaned.

How Does Guided Biofilm Therapy Work?

GBT is a modern, systematic method for managing biofilm during professional cleanings. It combines modern technology, proven techniques, and patient comfort to remove biofilm more effectively than traditional methods. 

GBT follows an eight-step protocol designed to enhance efficiency and eliminate biofilm without damaging the teeth or gums. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it happens:

1. Assessment 

Your dental professional thoroughly examines your teeth and gums, discussing your oral health and identifying potential concerns. 

2. Disclosure

 A special dye is applied to your teeth, highlighting areas where biofilm is present. This step helps verify that nothing is missed during cleaning. 

3. Motivation

The dentist or hygienist educates you about biofilm and demonstrates areas needing improvement in your oral hygiene routine. 

4. Airflow Cleaning

The Airflow device uses a combination of air, water, and fine powder to gently remove biofilm from teeth, gums, and hard-to-reach areas. 

5. Perioflow Cleaning

For patients with gum disease or implants, the Perioflow tool cleans biofilm from deep pockets around the teeth comfortably. 

6. Scaling

Any remaining tartar is removed manually or with ultrasonic scalers if necessary. 

7. Polishing

 Teeth are polished to remove stains and leave them feeling smooth and clean. 

8. Final Check 

Your dentist performs a final examination to check that all biofilm and plaque have been removed. 

This systematic approach offers a thorough, personalized cleaning experience tailored to each patient’s needs. 

How Is GBT Different from Traditional Cleaning? 

While traditional cleanings rely heavily on tactile scraping to remove biofilm and tartar, GBT combines visual guidance and technology to target biofilm with precision. Airflow and Perioflow devices help make the experience faster, more comfortable, and gentle on your teeth and gums. 

The Benefits of GBT

Why should you consider GBT for your next dental cleaning? Here are some of the most compelling advantages for both patients and dental professionals:

 1. Thorough Cleaning 

The coloured 'disclosing' dye effectively leaves no biofilm behind, even in the most hidden spots around your teeth, braces, or implants.

2. Comfortable Experience 

GBT’s high-tech tools can significantly reduce the need for excessive scraping or pressure, minimizing discomfort and making it ideal for those with sensitive teeth or gums. 

3. Gentle on Dental Work 

Unlike abrasive tools, GBT methods are safe for crowns, veneers, braces, and other dental work to help protect your teeth from damage and wear.

4. Improved Oral Health 

By effectively targeting biofilm, GBT helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, keeping your teeth and gums healthier for longer. 

5. Patient Education 

GBT shines when it comes to patient involvement. The visual use of dye makes it easy to see where biofilm builds up, helping you understand areas of improvement in your daily oral care routine. 

6. Efficiency 

The systematic approach and modern tools used in GBT can enhance cleaning accuracy and reduce the time spent in the chair without compromising results. 

Is GBT Right for Me? 

Whether you’re a routine cleaning regular or have specific oral health concerns, GBT is adaptable to various needs, making it suitable for:

  • Adults and teenagers who need routine cleanings
  • Patients with braces, bridges, or dental implants
  • Anyone with gum disease who requires deep cleaning and care

However, it’s always best to speak with your dentist or dental hygienist to determine if GBT is right for your oral health needs. 

Take Care of Your Teeth Today

Guided biofilm therapy is a revolutionary approach to professional dental hygiene that supports thorough cleaning, comfort, and improved oral health for patients. At Springbank Dental Centre, we offer GBT cleanings to help make your dentist appointment comfortable. Book an appointment with us today!