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Periodontics · single question

What type of bacteria is found in a healthy gingival sulcus?

  1. Aerobic, non-motile, gram-positive organisms
  2. Spirochetes and fusiform bacteria
  3. Anaerobic, motile, gram-negative rods
  4. Facultative anaerobic, motile, gram-negative
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Aerobic, non-motile, gram-positive organisms

Healthy sulcus flora: aerobic/facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, gram-positive organisms (Streptococcus, Actinomyces). Diseased pockets shift toward anaerobic, motile, gram-negative bacteria.
  • A. ✅ CORRECT – Healthy sulcus: aerobic, non-motile, gram-positive cocci and rods.
  • B. ❌ Spirochetes and fusiform bacteria are periodontal pathogens in diseased pockets.
  • C. ❌ Anaerobic gram-negative motile bacteria characterize periodontal disease, not health.
  • D. ❌ Facultative anaerobic, motile gram-negative bacteria are associated with early periodontitis.

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