Upon the completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
- Explain the risk factors associated with gingivitis, including the contribution of plaque quantity and host susceptibility.
- Identify common chemotherapeutic oral antimicrobials and their respective benefits; and describe how stannous fluoride is distinct in its modes of action in gingivitis reduction.
- Define the mechanism by which stannous fluoride interacts with plaque bacterial endotoxins to reduce the inflammatory response.
- Discuss the implications of bioavailable stannous fluoride use for patient care.