Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which type of bacteria is primarily responsible for redness around the gingiva?

1. Aerobic

2. Facultative anaerobic

3. Pathogenic

4. Anaerobic

The correct answer is: Anaerobic

The presence of redness around the gingiva, commonly referred to as gingival inflammation, is primarily associated with anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria thrive in environments with little to no oxygen and are often found in periodontal pockets. When there is a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, anaerobic bacteria proliferate, leading to local tissue damage, inflammation, and the characteristic redness of the gums. The role of anaerobic bacteria is significant in periodontal diseases, as they produce enzymes and toxins that can cause tissue destruction, resulting in symptoms such as swelling, redness, and bleeding. This inflammation is a key response to the microbial attack, and it showcases the body's immune response to the infection caused by these bacteria. While aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria can also play a role in oral health, particularly in the initial phases of plaque formation, it is the anaerobic bacteria that are primarily responsible for the chronic inflammation observed in conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. Pathogenic bacteria, while they include anaerobic types, do not specifically define the environmental conditions that lead to gingival redness; this is more explicitly attributed to the increase in anaerobic activity in response to plaque accumulation.