We’ve known for a long time that periodontal disease is linked to a variety of systemic and chronic diseases in the body. Common bacteria contributing to periodontal disease have been also found to be associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Periodontal pathogen testing identifies what bacteria is in your mouth and also identifies if your genetics put you at risk for increased inflammation.
What is Periodontal Pathogen Testing?
Periodontal pathogen testing is a way to gain a complete picture of your oral environment, measuring the specific bacteria and genetic markers impacting your health. Using this information, your dentist can tailor your treatment plan and help you take steps to prevent serious issues later on.
What are the Benefits of Periodontal Pathogen Testing?
This growing area of biological dentistry represents a shift in how we prevent and treat issues like gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss, allowing us to avoid invasive treatments. It illuminates hidden oral pathogens and tests for genetic markers which predispose you to systemic inflammation that exacerbates whole-body health issues (including periodontitis). If you already have periodontal disease, it allows us to focus on specific bacteria and their vulnerabilities and track your progress over time. Periodontal pathogen testing is an invaluable tool when it comes to maintaining good oral health.
What Can I Expect From Periodontal Pathogen Testing?
Periodontal pathogen testing requires only a small saliva sample collected at our office. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis, then you’ll meet with Dr. Du Mond to review your results. From there, DMD Dental will develop a targeted approach to treating your specific bacterial load and then maintaining your health.
The Periodontal Pathogen Testing Process and Beyond
One of the most important uses of periodontal pathogen testing is the ability to monitor treatment results and measure progress. If you’re treating periodontal disease, for example, we can reassess the level of certain disease-causing bacteria in your mouth. Based on your results, we then adjust your treatment plan as necessary. You can also take these results to your regular physician if you have concerns about systemic health concerns like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and others and begin taking steps toward a healthier overall lifestyle.
Periodontal Pathogen Testing in Scottsdale, AZ
At DMD Dental, we offer cutting-edge periodontal pathogen testing to guide your treatment process and ensure good overall health. To learn more, contact our Scottsdale, AZ office by calling or filling out our online form.