Periodontics · single question

Which organism is generally LEAST associated with early/initial gingivitis, being more classically a marker of established, more advanced chronic periodontitis instead?

  1. Enterococcus species
  2. Tannerella forsythia (part of the 'red complex,' classically associated with more advanced periodontal disease rather than early gingivitis)
  3. Fusobacterium nucleatum
  4. Prevotella intermedia
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Correct answer: B. Tannerella forsythia (part of the 'red complex,' classically associated with more advanced periodontal disease rather than early gingivitis)

Tannerella forsythia is part of the 'red complex' (along with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola), classically associated with established, more advanced chronic periodontitis rather than early/initial gingivitis. Fusobacterium and Prevotella are more associated with the 'orange complex,' appearing somewhat earlier in the ecological progression from health toward established disease.

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