Oral DNA Testing: The Future of Preventive Health

Your DNA says countless things about you. It plays a large role in determining what you look like, how tall you are, when your hair turns gray, and your personality. It also contains genes that predispose you to certain medical conditions. Thanks to modern advances in technology, dentists can now use oral DNA testing in Southlake to diagnose and treat gum disease, a serious oral health condition. How does the testing work, and why is it so advantageous?

The Saliva Solution

One hundred million Americans are infected with some form of gum disease. For some people, it is a mild condition that is fairly easy to reverse through good oral hygiene and basic treatments from the dentist. For other people, battling gum disease is an ongoing struggle.

When you undergo saliva testing, your dentist in Southlake sends a sample of your saliva to a specialized laboratory, which identifies the specific types of bacteria that are causing your gum disease. Based on this information, your dentist is in a better position to design a treatment plan for you. The results of the test can determine which types of antibiotics you need or if you’ll require more aggressive therapies to protect your oral health.

Can’t Dentists Diagnose Gum Disease Without Saliva Testing?

To the trained eye, gum disease is fairly easy to detect even in its early stages, and there are some basic treatments, such as deep cleaning, that can help to reverse the condition. However, a basic examination doesn’t identify the types of bacteria behind the problem, making it impossible to design a truly customized treatment.

Saliva testing that includes a DNA analysis can also determine if a person is predisposed to gum disease. Even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms of this condition, knowing that you’re at risk can motivate you to be extra diligent about taking good care of your teeth and gums, and you might be more likely to visit your dentist as often as is recommended.

Why It’s Important

Gum disease can cause severe problems. It can lead to chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, and loose teeth. If the infection progresses far enough, it may affect your entire body. Gum disease is often associated with serious systemic diseases, including heart problems, diabetes, and stroke. You might have sent a sample of your DNA to a laboratory to find out where your ancestors came from — isn’t your health more important than knowing that your great-great-grandparents came from Scandinavia?

Gum disease is nothing to take lightly. Thanks to modern saliva testing methods, however, your dentist as the tools they need to make sure your smile stays clean and healthy.

About the Dentist

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew is your friendly, experienced dentist in Southlake. He is proud to use the latest dental technology and methods to care for his patients, which is why he works with Oral DNA Labs to harness the power of genetic testing to fight gum disease. If you have questions about saliva testing or anything else related to dentistry, contact our office at 817-481-4888.