Our dental office is pleased to announce the availability of two periodontal disease tests: MyPerioPath and MyPerioID PST. As well as testing for a mucosal viral infection known as HPV that could potentially lead to oral cancer, The OralRisk HPV test.
These tests are important, as periodontal disease is fairly common and may lead to tooth loss if not successfully treated. Some people are at higher risk of having or developing periodontal disease. These include those who smoke and those with other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. People with certain genetic characteristics might also be at higher risk.
Your mouth plays an intricate role in the overall health of your body. Periodontal disease not treated successfully can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Research has found there is a direct link between periodontal disease and heart disease.
Oral bacteria can affect the heart when it enters the bloodstream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries and contributing to clot formation. Studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. A recent study found people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia, (the most common type of stroke), were found more likely to have an oral infection. Periodontal gum disease is considered the 6th complication of diabetes.
Diagnosis and treatment is important for your overall health and well-being. The three tests available at our office can help optimize treatment. The MyPerioPath test finds out which bacteria are triggering the periodontal disease. The My PerioID PST test can tell us if a patient has changes in his/her DNA that might mean he/she is at a greater risk of more serious disease. The OralRisk HPV test is a screening tool to identify the type(s) of oral HPV, a mucosal viral infection that could potentially lead to oral cancer. The information provided by these three tests helps our office come up with a treatment plan that’s right for each patient.
These three tests are performed non-invasively using a saliva sample, which is easy and fast to collect. The patient simply switches a sterile saline solution in his/her mouth and spits it into a tube. The sample is then sent to a lab, where the test is performed. Test results are returned to our office for evaluation.
For more information, or to answer any questions you may have about these salivary diagnostic tests, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call at 309-228-9576.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
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