Are you at risk for Periodontal Disease? - One of the most significant advances in dental medicine, a simple saliva DNA test, can now determine the specific type and quantity of disease-causing bacteria in your mouth! These bacteria, if left untreated, can cause periodontal disease, tooth loss, and also affect your risk for developing other systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes (among others). Dr. Kitchen and Dr. Harris are striving to bring their patients closer to whole body health with the use of this state-of-the-art technology.

With this test we are able to identify the bacteria associated with the gum infection and allow us to develop a far more powerful and effective treatment plan. With this information we are able to treat the cause of the infection and not just the symptoms. The goal of therapy then becomes to reduce your overall bacterial risk for disease progression. As with most diseases, earlier treatment and targeted treatment can help stop periodontal disease before irreversible damage occurs.

In addition to this bacterial DNA test, we can also offer a genetic susceptibility test that will tell us if your genetic makeup puts you at a great risk for developing periodontal disease (due to an exaggerated immune response). This will further enable us to personalize your therapy and recare program.