practical prevention | guided biofilm therapy Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a new individual clinical treat- ment protocol. Decades of experi- ence and research are reflected in a clear eight-step solution: diagnosis, disclosing, motivation, AIRFLOW®, PERIOFLOW®, PIEZON®, control and recall. Only GBT gives the practice team the skills, motivation, training and products for the most profes- sional dental cleaning of patients. EMS oers a new brochure for more information, available at ems-dental.com entific knowledge and evidence, GBT is the next step in prophylaxis. The eight steps that comprise GBT can be adapted to suit the treatment and patient, includ- ing patients in initial therapy to patients in maintenance therapy, healthy patients, patients with dental caries (especially in the initial stadium), patients with gingivi- tis, patients with periodontitis, patients with perimucositis and patients with peri-implantitis. The GBT concept ensures a sys- tematic, quality-orientated approach, from greeting the patient to collecting diagnostic data, everyday oral hygiene advice, professional teeth cleaning, the dentist’s final diagnosis and check-ups and chemically-supported plaque re- moval, as well as recalls. Alongside the dyeing of the supragingival biofilm, the process of professional teeth cleaning has changed considerably. The modern approach begins with sub- and suprag- ingival biofilm removal using air-polishing technology with Air-Flow Plus Powder®. This erythritol-based powder guaran- tees a targeted, gentle, risk-orientated removal of the biofilm to support the initial diagnosis. This is followed by the targeted and minimally invasive removal of mineralised build-up with Piezon No Pain®. This approach has many addi- tional benefits, including short treatment times and maximum comfort for both the technician and the patient. Finally, we can carry out profession- al biofilm management effectively, gently, safely, quickly and without pain. Going forward, it is especially im- portant to use the correct devices and tools, such as GBT. Currently, there are a few new products on the powder mar- ket. However, in addition to the powders’ properties and scientific evidence that these powders are biocompatible and do not cause damage, it has become more and more important for powders to be compatible with dental devices. This is a strength exhibited by Switzerland-based EMS, who have not only significantly contributed to the development of GBT, but have also provided suitable devices and tools (AIRFLOW® PROPYHXLAXIS MASTER, AIR-FLOW® POWDER PLUS, AIR-FLOW® handpiece, PERIO-FLOW® handpiece, PERIO-FLOW® nozzle, Pi- ezon No Pain®). The scientific knowledge and technological progress for a paradigm change in professional prophylaxis has now been established. Now comes the time to integrate these developments into our everyday practice for the well- being of our patients and ourselves. powder with a range of applications in food and medicine and it breaks down at temperatures above 56 degrees Celsius. In wet conditions, sodium bicarbonate, a hydrogen carbonate anion, can neutralise acids. This property explains its central role as the most important blood buffer, since it can regulate the acid-alkali bal- ance in the human body. Glycine is the simplest stable amino acid that can be made by the human body, where it acts as a radical catcher and neurotransmitter. Glycine is found in almost all foods that contain protein as it is a common building block of almost all types of protein. Glycine is also found in collagen, an important component of tendons, bone, skin and teeth. Glycine is an approved dietary supplement with no maximum dose as it supports various bodily functions. In the food industry, it is often used as a flavour enhancer or humectant. Studies from 2008 onwards have shown that air polishing with glycine powder does not irritate the gingivae. Now, we come to erythritol. Since 2012, we have almost exclusively used this white, crystalline powder with a pleasantly sweet taste. Erythritol is found in small amounts in nature, for example, in honey, wine grapes, melons and mush- rooms and it is produced by the fermen- tation of natural sugar. Due to its sweet taste, erythritol is used as a sweetener to replace sugar. It has almost no calories when absorbed by the human body and is suitable for diabetics. Oral bacteria are also not able to metabolise erythritol, so it is tooth-friendly and not cariogenic. Vari- ous studies have shown that only glycine and erythritol powders do not change the surface structure of composite fill- ings, while erythritol powder showed no changes on glass ionomer surfaces. Guided Biofilm Therapy–GBT GBT perfectly combines air polishing devices and low-abrasion powders. Developed in collaboration with uni- versities and dental practices, GBT is a concept designed for contemporary prophylaxis. Based on decades of sci- september 2017 53