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 Bacteria beginning to form. |
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 More and more bacteria adhere and existing bacteria begin to multiply forming a microcolony. |
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 Bacteria spread in all directions becoming a macrocolony; bacteria beginning to grow in multiple layers. |
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 Bacteria macrocolonies spread and overlap resulting in full biofilm. |
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| Photos courtesy of Center for medical biofilm research, University of Southern California. |
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Beating Biofilms
"If oral care is not started upon admission, the mouth could become colonized with harmful bacteria within the first 48 hours. Plaque on the teeth can provide a breeding ground for this growth of bacteria.…The most effective way to remove plaque is to use a brush."1 |
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 Clean
Brushing and suctioning with an antiseptic agent kills17 and mechanically removes bacterial biofilms (dental plaque) from teeth and oral tissues. |
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 Debride
Swabbing and suctioning with Perox-A-Mint® solution helps remove dead, loosened biofilms.2 |
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 Moisturize
Water-based formula soothes and moisturizes oral tissues. |
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| REFERENCES: 1. Campbell DL, Ecklund MM. Development of a research-based oral care procedure for patients with artificial airways. NTI News (a publication of AACN’s National Teaching Institute). 7 May 2002. 2. Kuramitsu, H. “Oral Microbial Communities: Genetic Analysis of Oral Biofilms.” Strict and Facultative Anaerobes: Medical and Environmental Aspects. Ed. Nakano, M. Horizon Bioscience, 2004. 109-111. |
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