Oral DNA testing is being touted as revolutionary and in terms of prevention it’s just that – a revolution.  Not to be confused with the DNA testing that has become widely known due to television crime dramas; this DNA test is not being used to identify you, but rather to identify your ailments and risk factors and to help you decide on a treatment plan.

Oral DNA testing has become an invaluable tool for dentists to use on their everyday patients.  People who present risk factors for diseases such as periodontal disease and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related oral cancers can now be screened in office. Dentists have the option to screen for periodontal disease-causing bacteria present in your mouth at that very moment or they can test if you have a genetic susceptibility to it for the future.  This is allowing for not only better on the spot treatment but for more effective preventative measures as well.  The same practice can be utilized for detecting whether or not someone has had HPV manifest orally, which is vital because HPV often has no obvious indicators. With the presence of HPV in the general American population growing at a staggering rate of 30% per year, it is becoming more critical than ever to make sure it’s not going unchecked.  Breaking the numbers down, it’s estimated that approximately twenty million Americans are confirmed to have HPV with an additional six million more being confirmed or reported each year.  While not all strains of HPV are dangerous or persistent, it is still important and recommended that you get checked out, and the same diligence should be applied to your oral HPV concerns.

The wonderful aspect of this revolution in dental diagnostics is the ease at which it can be administered. There are no needles, not even a swab! A bit of vigorous swishing of saline solution and you are done. It’s so simple that a child can do it and when it is this easy, there is no excuse not to get screened.  The more time people spend informing themselves about dental diseases, preventative measures and proper care, the less likely it will be that they will require major interventions.  As with any ailment, early detection means you can begin combating it before it becomes an issue.

This screening technology is fairly new to the industry but it has been adapted and refined to the point where it has become part of everyday practice.  After the saline solution is collected it’s sent out to the lab where the results are determined and emailed back to the dentist.  It really takes advantage of the advances in communication and privacy technology while offering the latest in diagnostics.

Over thirty percent of the general population has the genetic disposition and indicators for periodontal disease. While it’s common to think you are invincible, there is a good chance you fall into that thirty percent, so talk to your dental professional today about your screening options. There is no harm in finding out where you stand.

Guest Post provided by: Atlanta Dental Spa is the premiere place in Atlanta for General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our doctors are world-class, award-winning dentists who apply their industry-leading expertise in a relaxing spa like environment. 3189 Maple Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404-816-2230.