Periodontics · single question

What is the predominant bacterial flora found in a healthy gingival sulcus?

  1. Aerobic, non-motile, Gram-positive bacilli/cocci
  2. Aerobic, non-motile, Gram-negative bacilli
  3. Anaerobic, motile, Gram-positive cocci/strep
  4. Anaerobic, motile, Gram-negative strep
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Aerobic, non-motile, Gram-positive bacilli/cocci

A healthy gingival sulcus is dominated by Gram-positive, mostly aerobic/facultative, non-motile organisms (such as Streptococcus and Actinomyces species). As disease progresses (gingivitis → periodontitis), the flora shifts toward a higher proportion of Gram-negative, anaerobic, and motile organisms — the opposite of a healthy sulcus.

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