The effect of supragingival plaque control on the subgingival microflora

The effect of plaque control on the apical microflora of deep periodontal pockets was studied. 8 subjects exhibiting signs of chronic periodontitis were chosen for the study, each subject having at least one pocket greater than 6 mm. These subjects were placed on a plaque control programme consisting of 3 visits, during which oral hygiene instructions were given. On two visits, the teeth of these subjects were scaled and polished. Bacteriological samples from the apex of a deep pockets from each subject were collected before the commencement of the plaque control programme and again at 8 and 16 weeks after the last scale and polish. No significant difference in the microbial flora was observed before and after plaque control, but marked fluctuation in bacterial composition was noted at the 3 samplings. It was concluded that supragingival plaque reduction was not sufficient to produce significant changes in the subgingival plaque composition of deep periodontal pockets.