Procedure for full mouth disinfection
- Scaling and root planing of all teeth
- Use of antimicrobial mouth rinse
- Local delivery of antimicrobial agents
- Oral hygiene instructions for the patient
- Regular follow-up visits for evaluation
Benefits of full mouth disinfection
- Reduction in periodontal pocket depth
- Decreased bleeding and inflammation
- Improved oral hygiene
- Prevention of further periodontal disease progression
- Enhanced overall oral health
Effectiveness of full mouth disinfection
- Studies have shown significant improvements in clinical parameters
- Reduction in bacterial load in periodontal pockets
- Long-term positive effects on periodontal health
- Comparable or superior results to traditional quadrant-wise treatment
- Potential to prevent tooth loss and preserve natural dentition
Considerations for full mouth disinfection
- Patient's overall health and ability to tolerate the procedure
- Severity of periodontal disease and extent of involvement
- Presence of systemic conditions that may affect healing
- Cost and time commitment for the patient
- Importance of patient compliance with post-treatment care
Limitations of full mouth disinfection
- Possible side effects such as temporary tooth sensitivity
- Inability to completely eliminate all bacteria from periodontal pockets
- Need for proper patient selection and case assessment
- Potential for disease recurrence if oral hygiene is not maintained
- Requirement for skilled clinicians and adequate training in the procedure
Full mouth disinfection typically refers to an intense course of treatment for periodontitis typically involving scaling and root planing in combination with adjunctive use of local antimicrobial adjuncts to periodontal treatment such as chlorhexidine in various ways of application. The aim is to complete debridement of all periodontal pocket areas within a short time frame such as 24 hours, in order to minimize the chance of reinfection of the pockets with pathogens coming from another oral niches like the tongue, tonsils and non-treated periodontal pocket.
Eberhard (2022) published a Cochrane review (systematic review and meta-analysis) which found modest benefit for full mouth disinfection, but the superiority (or otherwise) of the intervention had not at the time of review been conclusively demonstrated. Current recommendations support its use as equal and equivalent to other established effective treatment modalities.
