_edited.png){kind=small}
Oral hygienist Esda Scheepers, the area specialist for EMS in Africa, tells us why Guided Biofilm Therapy® is taking the world of dental health by storm.
Unlike a manicure, massage or trip to the hair salon, traditional oral hygiene treatment is rarely a treat. For many of us, it’s a self-care activity we endure rather than enjoy. Thankfully, this is changing, due to a groundbreaking innovation in dental hygiene called Guided Biofilm Therapy®.
The good news is that Guided Biofilm Therapy® (GBT), a revolutionary step forward in professional oral hygiene developed by Swiss-based Electro Medical Systems (EMS), is now available in South Africa.
What’s the big deal about biofilm?
Biofilm is the main cause of dental decay, gum disease (including periodontitis), and tooth loss. It’s also associated with implantitis, oral cancer, and chronic infections.
What is it?
Also known as plaque, biofilm is the sticky layer of bacteria and other microbes that naturally forms inside the mouth. The furry feeling on your teeth in the morning or at night before brushing – that’s biofilm.
Biofilm constantly forms in the mouth. This is why dental professionals recommend cleaning your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing and cleaning in-between your teeth with floss or an interdental tool are the most effective ways you can remove biofilm at home.
If you don’t remove biofilm regularly, it hardens into tartar, a yellowish substance also known as calculus. Once it’s hardened, you can’t brush it away; tartar can only be safely removed by a dental professional.
This is where GBT® comes in – it’s a pioneering professional oral hygiene treatment that removes biofilm, stains and tartar. Clinical studies have shown it to be more effective than traditional scaling and polishing, even though it is gentler.
How does Guided Biofilm Therapy® work?
GBT® was invented by Electro Medical Systems(EMS) in Nyon, Switzerland in 1982, in collaboration with medical and dental professionals. It has become the gold standard in preventative oral care, backed by a wealth of scientific evidence.
The specialised GBT® equipment combines air, state-of-the-art powders and warm water to AIRFLOW® the teeth and gums, removing biofilm and stains. Harder deposits are removed using PIEZON ® PS NO PAIN technology. The treatment allows minimally invasive cleaning below the gumline, in periodontal pockets, around implants and restorations. It safely accesses areas that were traditionally out of reach.
8 steps to healthier smiles
The innovative technology combined with the proven Guided Biofilm Therapy® 8-step protocol makes it all work so brilliantly. Instead of scraping and polishing, this treatment involves assessment, biofilm disclosing, personalised oral care guidance and treatment using the award-winning technology.
The treatment is provided exclusively by dental professionals, who have been trained and certified by the international Swiss Dental Academy (SDA), to follow these 8 steps:
Initial assessment. |
Disclosing to reveal biofilm. At this point, the hygienist will hand you a mirror to see for yourself. Prepare to be surprised! |
Personalised patient education. You’ll be told exactly how you can improve your daily oral care routine at home. |
Treatment with AIRFLOW®. This removes biofilm, stains and early tartar from natural teeth, restorations and implants. It also removes biofilm below the gums, on the tongue and palate. |
For patients with periodontal pockets, additional treatment using PERIOFLOW®. |
Scaling with the PIEZON® PS, a minimally invasive instrument to remove remaining tartar. If you have implants, the latest PI MAX® instrument will be used. |
Final check to ensure a thorough clean. |
Recall - you’ll be asked for feedback on the treatment and advised when to book your next appointment, according to your personal oral care needs. |
What makes GBT® different?
1. Disclosing: every GBT® treatment involves using a discloser to highlight plaque on the teeth and gums.
2. The Airflow Technology is superior to conventional Hand instrumentation and polishing techniques. It is safe and gentle on tissues, removing biofilm and stain effectively in all areas of the mouth.
3. The PIEZON® PS instrument is quicker, less invasive, more pleasant for patients and practitioners.
4. No polishing. A traditional polish with paste, rotating brushes and rubber cups is no longer necessary. A GBT® treatment leaves your teeth surfaces perfectly cleaned, with natural tissues preserved.
Who is Guided Biofilm Therapy® for?
GBT® is suitable for adults and children (3 years and older). It is perfect for people who find traditional oral hygiene treatments uncomfortable or unpleasant because it is so gentle and comfortable.
Extensive research demonstrates that all over the world people love it. According to the 2022 study published in ZMK, 92% of patients say they will recommend GBT® treatment to family and friends*.
There is no better alternative for people with orthodontic braces or implants. It can also prevent periodontitis from progressing and is one of the best options for the non-surgical treatment of this serious gum disease.
Do you have any of these oral health issues?
Plaque or tartar build-up
Yellow or stained teeth
Bleeding gums, gingivitis or periodontitis
Sensitive teeth or gums
Veneers, crowns, bridges
Orthodontic braces, brackets or clear aligners
Anxiety or fear of invasive dental treatments
If you do, a GBT® treatment can help.
What do South Africans say about GBT®?
Patient feedback confirms that GBT® is the gentlest, most comfortable and pleasant oral hygiene treatment you’ll ever experience. We wanted the South African perspective, so we asked local dental professionals and patients to share their experiences:
“We were always uneasy about how patients responded to the conventional prophylaxis. What I like best about working with the EMS GBT® machine is it’s so easy to use. It enables you to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. And our patients absolutely love this machine. When they have had their GBT® treatment they immediately book their next appointment.”
Dr Saijal Harisparsad Tuluram, BDS
Redefine Dental in Durban
“I love the fact that it was warm water. My teeth are normally sensitive but not today. It feels amazing. Compared to the old treatment I definitely recommend it. It feels amazing. The texture, nice and smooth. My teeth definitely look whiter than normal.”
Carol Fontein – Patient
Redefine Dental
“I would really recommend EMS treatment. It was non-invasive, I felt really comfortable right from the start and my teeth feel a lot cleaner than ever before. I think it looks whiter because it’s much cleaner.”
Bianca Odendaal, Patient
I Love My Smile, Lynnwood, Pretoria
“Once Noeleen used the EMS on me I thought wow. It’s faster, it’s less abrasive than polishing, it feels smooth and amazing, it’s whiter, it’s cleaner, it’s really a remarkable product.”
Cherie Whatt, Patient
Oral Hygienist Noeleen White
“Patients love it. The results you see are exceptional. Once a patient has had a clean with an EMS machine they don’t want to go back.”
Dr. Janel Welgemoed Longbeach Dental, Cape Town
The future of oral hygiene is here
With over 10 million mouths treated globally, it’s indisputable that EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy® has transformed traditional oral hygiene. In South Africa, the consensus is clear: GBT® is not just a treatment; it's a preference.
The future of oral hygiene? It’s already here.
There are 70 accredited EMS GBT® dental practices around South Africa. To find your nearest Swiss Dental Academy certified practice visit:
Comments