Full-Mouth Disinfection
Also written as: FMD — Full-Mouth Disinfection
A treatment protocol in which scaling and root planing of the entire dentition is completed within 24–48 hours, combined with adjunctive antimicrobial agents, to minimise reinfection between quadrants.
Full Definition
Full-mouth disinfection (FMD) is a non-surgical periodontal treatment approach introduced by Quirynen et al. that treats all periodontal pockets within 24–48 hours to prevent the recolonisation of treated sites by pathogens from untreated sites. The protocol typically includes subgingival debridement of all quadrants combined with adjunctive use of chlorhexidine. It contrasts with the traditional quadrant-by-quadrant approach where treatment is staged over several weeks. Editors should hyphenate the compound modifier as shown and define the abbreviation FMD on first use. Clinical evidence comparing FMD to conventional quadrant debridement remains contested in the literature.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate 'full-mouth' as a compound modifier before a noun. Define FMD on first use. Do not conflate with routine full-mouth scaling, which lacks the disinfection protocol component.
In Context
- "The randomised controlled trial compared full-mouth disinfection against quadrant scaling and root planing in patients with generalised Stage III periodontitis." — Clinical trial methods section
- "FMD was performed over two consecutive days, with chlorhexidine rinses and subgingival irrigation applied at each appointment." — Clinical case report