Challenge: My patient was very concerned about passing bacteria to his wife and young daughter.
Background: Patient knew he had periodontal issues and was informed that he would likely need to see a periodontist.
Patient:
- Age: 36
- Sex: M
- Medical History: Essential hypertension
- Last Dental Exam: 6 months to a year
- Home Care: Good home care
- Chief Complaint: Needs cleaning, had been told he may need to see periodontist
- Other Notes: Reports increased stress over last year
- Clinical Assessment: Not provided
- Periodontal Assessment: Stage II & III, Grade B, generalized calculus noted on bitewing x-rays, moderate bleeding and inflammation
Spouse:
- Age: 32
- Sex: F
- Last Dental Exam: 6 months
- Home Care: Fair
- Chief Complaint: None; “wants cleaning,” concerned about saliva test due to husband’s results
- Clinical Assessment: Localized 4mm pockets, generalized mild inflammation, localized moderate subgingival calculus
- Periodontal Assessment: Stage I, Grade B
Patient Solution:
- Date of OralDNA® tests: Alert 2™ 07/22/2022 and MyPerioPath® 09/09/2022
- Periodontal therapy: SRP 4341 all quadrants, laser, irrigation (07/08/2022, 07/22/2022)
- SABX Used: Amoxicillin 500 TID and Metronidazole 500 BID
- Home Care: Recommended using an electric toothbrush, floss and proxybrush for at home care
- Other Notes: Perio maintenance visit (PMV) with Laser 09/09/2022, PMV 12/09/2022, PMV with laser & irrigation 03/30/2023, PMV with laser & irrigation 08/02/2023
- Perform MyPerioProgress® (post-therapy test): Both of the patients’ MPP tests are almost identical even though they were a year apart and had different therapy completed.
Spouse Solution:
- Date of OralDNA test: Alert 2 08/04/2022 and MyPerioPath 08/07/2023
- Periodontal therapy/Next Dental visit/Co-manage/Referral
- SABX used: None
- Home Care: Recommended using an electric toothbrush and string floss instead of floss picks
- Other Notes: Prophy 08/04/2023, SRP 4341 all quads, laser, and irrigation 08/07/2023 and 08/09/2023
- Perform MyPerioProgress: Both of the patients’ MPP tests are almost identical even though they were a year apart and had different therapy completed.
Patient MyPerioProgress:
Spouse MyPerioProgress:
Results: I learned how transmissible the bacteria really is. Their MyPerioPath tests were almost identical even though her clinical signs actually increased over the year, and she did need to have periodontal therapy. However, her bacteria reduced by 82% and left her with only 2 bacteria at similar levels as her husband. This is good insight for patients who had clinical improvements, but their bacteria do not reduce. I’m now more aware to ask how their partners’ dental health is.
Carey has been a dental hygienist for 25 years and while she has practiced clinical dental hygiene the entire time, she also has 12 years of experience in practice management. However, her heart has always been with direct patient care. Carey has been with Pacific Dental Services for nearly 2 years now, and feels very fortunate to be with a company who truly cares about and understands the mouth body connection. Being able to offer saliva testing has been a game changer for her and her patients. Carey states: “There are really two enemies in periodontal disease, the bacteria and our body's response to it. We are so fortunate to have a test that will tell us both of those things. It also makes it so much more relatable to the patient and they can see their progress.”
Carey likes to spend her spare time with her family, especially her children. Her oldest daughter, Savanna, teaches animal science in Lamar, Colorado. Her husband, Skyler, is a cattle rancher, and they are expecting their first child in January. Carey’s daughter, Isabelle, just graduated from NDSCS, Carey's alma mater, and is working as an RN for Sanford in Fargo, ND.Her son Lucca is 14 and in his first year of high school. He joined the marching band this year and enjoys sailing and golf in the summer. Carey’s youngest son, Aiden, is 13 and in his last year of middle school. Golf is his passion, and he would love to do that every day of the year.
Carey likes to spend her spare time with her family, especially her children. Her oldest daughter, Savanna, teaches animal science in Lamar, Colorado. Her husband, Skyler, is a cattle rancher, and they are expecting their first child in January. Carey’s daughter, Isabelle, just graduated from NDSCS, Carey's alma mater, and is working as an RN for Sanford in Fargo, ND.Her son Lucca is 14 and in his first year of high school. He joined the marching band this year and enjoys sailing and golf in the summer. Carey’s youngest son, Aiden, is 13 and in his last year of middle school. Golf is his passion, and he would love to do that every day of the year.
Latest posts by Carey Duraiappa RDH (see all)
- Transmissible Bacteria Between Spouses - October 27, 2023