Microbiology Terminology

Posted on March 24, 2023March 22, 2023 by Kimberly Babauta, RDH, BS, BCPA

MyPerioPath® is a laboratory test that screens an oral rinse specimen collection for specific bacteria known to cause periodontal disease. Bacteria are often described using their scientific name, by categorizing as gram-negative or gram-positive, and by identifying their shape. These descriptors provide us with useful information about each bacterium. For example, it is plausible that motile bacteria are more resistant to localized treatment due to their ability to move away from areas whe...

Getting to the Root Cause: OralDNA® Testing and Natural Products that Help

Posted on March 17, 2023March 15, 2023 by Heather Paul CBDH CRDH

As a practicing dental hygienist for over 25 years, I’ve been asked countless times what causes gum disease and what are the best products to use that actually help. This is a fantastic question, and I am so happy that technology has advanced enough to give patients a full understanding of the root cause of periodontal disease. We now know that there are primarily 11 microbes that cause periodontal disease. Knowing which bugs are present allows me to come up with an individualized oral care ...

How Do You Speak Testing? With Kim Ramos RDH & Ali Carr RDH

Posted on March 10, 2023August 14, 2024 by Kim Ramos RDH - Ali Carr RDH

Patient Bio: Your new female 39-year-old patient hasn’t been seen by a dentist since 2020. She was recently diagnosed as pre-diabetic with elevated blood pressure. With her medical doctor’s approval, she is attempting to control or reverse her pre-diabetes and lower her blood pressure with diet and lifestyle changes. Her medical doctor recommended she have a dental exam. She is interested in fixing her crowded maxillary anterior teeth. Here are the findings of the periodontal assessment: ...

How Do You Speak Testing? With Yemia White RDH

Posted on February 3, 2023August 14, 2024 by Yemia White BSDH RDH

Patient Bio: Your new male patient, age 45, presents with the below findings. He has smoked 1 pack per day for the past 25 years. Upon medical history review you discover his blood pressure and cholesterol are being controlled by medication. He confides that his father passed away at age 53. How would you introduce therapy including MyPerioPath® to this patient? Mr. Smith, thank you for allowing us to collect pertinent information for your comprehensive oral health assessment. May I ...

Neglected Active Periodontal Disease

Posted on August 19, 2022August 15, 2022 by Chelsea Gonzales DDS

Challenge: A new patient, 59-year-old male, presents to our office with no specific concerns. However, a previous provider recommended a “deep cleaning.” This “deep cleaning” treatment was never completed. Patient has 4 fully erupted wisdom teeth that are difficult to access for daily cleaning. Background: Age 59 Sex: Male Medical History: High Blood Pressure but is taking medication Last Dental Exam: 2019 Home Care: Manual toothbrush 2x daily, baking soda with peroxide, ...

Video Interview with Sarah Tevis Poteet DDS

Posted on June 10, 2022June 6, 2022 by Sarah Poteet DDS PA

Dr. McGlennen: As a physician, my education included not only how to care for patients, but how to use clinical laboratory tests to make diagnoses and guide treatment for patients. Being the medical director of OralDNA® Labs and broadening the scope of the medical profession to include all of my colleagues in the practice of dentistry has been rewarding. I am inspired every day by colleagues who think outside of their educational conventions, and work to set the bar higher and include testin...

Interview with Brenda Nishimura DDS

Posted on April 8, 2022April 7, 2022 by Brenda Nishimura

Dr. McGlennen: You started using OralDNA® Labs testing services in December of 2016. How were you introduced to OralDNA® salivary diagnostics? Brenda Nishimura DDS: We learned about OralDNA® Labs and salivary testing from Doug Thompson at the Wellness Dentistry Network, which we have been a member of since its inception. Dr. McGlennen: You utilize MyPerioPath® and OraRisk® Candida on a consistent basis for your patient care. What distinguishes a patient for MyPerioPath® testing? How do...

Oral Health Contributing to Health Issues with Sarah Poteet DDS, PA

Posted on February 25, 2022May 31, 2022 by Sarah Poteet DDS PA

Challenge: Due to dental anxiety, specifically the fear of being overwhelmed with dental problems, the patient finally took the necessary steps to address her chief complaint, “My gums are bleeding, and my teeth are sensitive. I want a more holistic approach to dental care. I feel like my mouth is contributing to my health issues.” Background: Age: 37 Sex: Female Medical History: Severe eczema since childhood, long term topical and systemic steroid for skin has resulted in steroid...

Uncontrolled Diabetic – Referred by Physician

Posted on December 31, 2021December 30, 2021 by Mary Kay Carroll RDH

Background: The patient is a 41-year-old female who has not been seen by a dental professional since 2008 (10 years). The patient stated her chief concern as “My doctor said my uncontrolled diabetes could be caused by my mouth.” Other medical concerns are high blood pressure and acid reflux. The home care routine consisted of manual tooth brushing only. Following the periodontal assessment, the patient was diagnosed with active, localized, chronic periodontitis due to the present s...

Interview with Dr. Chelsea Gonzales

Posted on December 24, 2021December 22, 2021 by Chelsea Gonzales DDS

Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Dr. Gonzales: We use OralDNA® to create a customized plan for treating our patient’s periodontal disease. We also use it to gauge the success of their periodontal treatment and revised home care regimens. Salivary diagnostics enables us to treat the patient’s whole health by tying their periodontal condition to their medical history and treating the specific bacteria that could be contributing to multiple health conditions. ...