• Nonspecific plaque hypothesis – The idea is that all plaque is equally pathogenic. This is still taught in dental schools around the world. This idea was originated in the 1890s by Dr. Miller after his failure to isolate any specific bacteria from caries or periodontal lesions. I will discuss this theory simply to develop a historical perspective.
• Specific plaque hypothesis – new theory developed after 1975. 8 This theory was developed by Dr. Loesche and Dr. Keyes among others through their extensive research which continues to this day. 8,12-15,18-21,25,26,28-30,32 Without the research support for this theory developed by Dr. Keyes and Dr. Loesche, it would be difficult for dentists to use these ideas in clinical practice since the specific plaque hypothesis and the practitioners who use it have been under attack by the Luddites of our profession.

The Luddites were craftsmen from the beginning of the Industrial Revolution who organized people to throw wrenches into the steam powered factory machinery in an attempt to stop the development of industry. Just as in the struggle for industrial development which was carried out at the expense of the craft industries of that era, the fact that treatments based on the specific plaque hypothesis are cheaper, less painful, more cosmetically pleasing and more effective 33 have caused continued improvement by clinicians and product development by companies to improve and support our methods. I believe our methods will ascend to become dominant in the future based on proven superior performance for patients and obvious economic benefits in a era of searching for more cost effective ways to deliver health care.

Companies involved:

Hydrofloss – irrigation equipment.

Oratec - microscope supplies, support for education, irrigation supplies.

Diamond General Probe- sulphur detection/periodontal probe detects anaerobic bacterial activity