Impact of Oral Slime on a Healthy Smile

Presented by: Pooja Ajitsankardas, BDS, MDS, MS

Original Lecture/ Publication Date: October 1, 2025 (Webinar Series)

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Course Description:

The oral microbiome, a diverse and dynamic ecosystem of microorganisms residing in the oral cavity, plays a pivotal role in contributing to disease. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition, results from microbial dysbiosis that occurs within the subgingival environment. A shift from a symbiotic microbial community to one dominated by pathogenic gram-negative anaerobes triggers host immune responses that result in tissue destruction and alveolar bone loss. This presentation explores the intricate relationship between the oral microbiome and periodontal disease, emphasizing mechanisms of biofilm formation, host-pathogen interactions, and the impact of systemic and environmental factors. Advances in microbiome research offer promising diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including the use of probiotics, targeted antimicrobials, and host-modulation therapies. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment approaches in periodontal care.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the composition and properties of the complex oral microbiome associated with periodontal disease.
• Identify key periodontal pathogens and explain the pathophysiological mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis contributes to the onset and progression of periodontal disease.
• Discuss therapeutic approaches targeting the oral microbiome and host modulation.

Practical Applications:

1. Explain to the patient the role of the oral microbiome, including the influence of systemic and environmental risk factors that aid in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease.
2. Assess and apply evidence-based strategies to manage oral microbiome dysbiosis in periodontal therapy, including mechanical and chemical biofilm control, selective antimicrobial use, and adjunctive therapies such as probiotics and host modulation.
3. Integrate personalized risk assessment and preventive care approaches into clinical practice to improve periodontal outcomes and overall oral health.

Speaker Bio:

Pooja Ajitsankardas, BDS, MDS, MS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at Meenakshi Ammal Dental College in 2010, followed by a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Periodontology from Sri Ramachandra Dental College in 2016. She went on to earn a Master of Science (MS), further deepening her expertise in periodontal research and clinical care.

Dr. Ajitsankardas’s professional focus lies in the complex relationship between periodontal health, the oral microbiome, and systemic wellness. Her academic and clinical work emphasizes innovative strategies in diagnostics and therapy to manage biofilm–host interactions and preserve natural dentition. At UTHSC, she teaches and mentors dental students and residents, equipping the next generation of oral health providers with evidence-based approaches to periodontal care.

With a passion for advancing both patient outcomes and professional education, Dr. Ajitsankardas integrates her global dental background with current research to bring a well-rounded perspective to the field.

AGD PACE Code: 490 (Periodontics)

Conflicts of Interest:  N/A