Let’s pause for a moment.
Have you ever seen a patient with a healthy, stable mouth suddenly develop signs of periodontal disease? No obvious lapse in hygiene. No gradual buildup. Just a rapid, surprising decline. Biofilm does not always follow a slow progression. Sometimes, a sudden shift in the host environment can tip the balance — transforming a previously balanced oral microbiome into a pathogenic one.
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Possible Triggers:
- New medication (e.g., immunosuppressants, SSRIs, antihypertensives)
- Acute stress or emotional trauma
- Onset of a systemic condition (e.g., diabetes, autoimmune disease)
- Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause)
- Reduced salivary flow or dry mouth
- Lifestyle changes: smoking relapse, poor sleep, extreme diets
Up next: Module 2 Overview