Local Dentist Now Using Salivary DNA Tests to Fight Periodontal Infections

Jan. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- Denville,NJ.  Drs. Steiner , Fine and Kwiatkowski whose practice is located in Denville is now administering two molecular tests that provide supplemental information about a patient’s periodontal disease. This information can be used to develop patient-specific treatment plans for periodontal disease therapy and to help establish the therapy endpoint.

The two salivary diagnostic tests, named MyPerioPath® and MyPerioID® PST®, are offered by OralDNA® Labs Inc., a subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics.

Specifically, the MyPerioPath test provides semi-quantitative levels of 11 different species of bacteria known to trigger periodontal disease. In addition to identifying the bacterial pathogens, the test provides a bacterial-related risk of disease progression and suggestions for suitable antibiotic therapy. The MyPerioID PST test detects genetic changes (DNA polymorphisms) that have been associated with increased incidence and/or progression of chronic periodontal disease in some studies.

According to Dr. Derek Fine, “We are very pleased to be one of the first dental practices in the area to utilize the MyPerioPath and MyPerioID PST salivary diagnostic tests, enhancing our ability to provide the best possible care.”

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Besides helping with tooth retention, successful periodontal treatment can help patients with diabetes to better control their disease.1,2 About 50% of Americans have gingival bleeding, the more common but less severe form of periodontal disease.3 Prevalence of more severe disease is more difficult to ascertain.

Several research studies have associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory

diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.4,5

For more information regarding the MyPerioPath® and MyPerioID® PST® salivary diagnostic tests, or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Steiner, Fine and Kwiatkowski at (973) 627-3617 or visit www.aestheticfamilydentistry.com.

About OralDNA Labs Inc. (www.OralDNA.com)

OralDNA Labs Inc., a subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , is a specialty diagnostics company created to advance clinical testing in the dental community. The company’s goal is to help the dental profession achieve better clinical outcomes by providing reliable, definitive, and cost-effective clinical tests that drive the detection and prognosis of disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.

References:

1.     Swedish (Sweden) Koromantzos PA, Makrilakis K, Dereka X, et al. A randomized, controlled trial on the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Part I: effect on periodontal status and glycaemic control. J Clin Periodontol. 2011;38:142-147.  

2.     Simpson TC, Needleman I, Wild SH, et al. Treatment of periodontal disease for glycaemic control in people with diabetes (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(5):CD004714.

3.     Albandar JM, Kingman A. Gingival recession, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus in adults 30 years of age and older in the United States, 1988-1994. J Periodontol. 1999;70:30-43.