pregnancy

How Do You Speak Testing? With Bianca Velayo DMD – Part 2

Posted on by Bianca Velayo DMD
In this section, we dive into how the test results from OralDNA® Labs shaped the personalized treatment plans for Patient A and Patient B. By analyzing both genetic factors and bacterial profiles, we can better understand each patient’s unique risks and challenges. Let’s explore how these insights guided our approach to managing their periodontal disease and improving their overall health Interpret results for the patient: Turnaround time is 5 business days with a few days transit. My ...
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How Do You Speak Testing? With Bianca Velayo DMD – Part 1

Posted on by Bianca Velayo DMD
Hypothetical Patient Bio: Patient A (Husband): A 35-year-old male, non-smoker, generally healthy with no systemic conditions. The patient reported that his symptoms began approximately three years ago and progressively worsened despite regular brushing. Patient B (Wife): A 32-year-old female, non-smoker, generally healthy with no systemic conditions. She is currently 18 weeks pregnant with her first child. Periodontal Assessment: Patient A: Probing depths: 5-8 mm in several sites...
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Diagnostic Dialogues with Dr. Neusha Najafi DDS

Posted on by Dr. Neusha Najafi
  Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you were introduced to OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Neusha Najafi DDS: Unfortunately, I was first introduced to OralDNA at a very low point in my life. I had just suffered a late term loss at 24 weeks pregnancy called PPROM. I was told that my condition was due to an infection that caused my membrane to rupture prematurely. Up until that point, I had had zero complications in my pregnancy. The doctors said the cause of the infection was unknown and th...
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An Unknown Cause of Infertility

Posted on by Katie Lee DDS
Although the construct of the family unit is evolving, having children remains important to the majority of adults. Yet, more and more adults are experiencing difficulties having children and are turning to assisted reproductive methods to start a family. A reported 10% of the population are infertile, although from personal experience, I believe that number is much higher. This is due to a multitude of reasons, one of the reasons being advanced maternal age. The CDC reported that the averag...
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Pregnancy & Periodontal Inflammation: Pathogens or Hormones?

Posted on by Gabby Finn RDH
Challenge: Pregnant, periodontal maintenance patient appointed with increasing periodontal measurements over the last two periodontal maintenance appointments. The goal of testing is to establish the cause for the increase of inflammation. Background: My 44-year-old periodontal maintenance patient with a regular recall and excellent home care consisting of electric toothbrushing 2 times per day, nightly flossing, and use of Waterpik™ 2 times per day presented for a maintenance appointment...
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How do you speak Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease with your patients?

Posted on by Nancy Wahl RDH, BS MC
Dr. McGlennen: The oral microbiota changes when women become pregnant, and levels of periodontal pathogens increase1. During pregnancy, periodontal inflammation worsens, mostly due to increased levels of A.a., P.g., F.n. and P.i.2. Among these oral pathogens, there is a marked risk of infection of the maternal blood and the placenta, which leads to an increase in pre-term labor, lower birth weight and even the chance of fetal loss due specifically to the bacteria P.g. and F.n.3,4. Further, the...
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Periodontal Disease & Pregnancy

Posted on by Carmeliza dela Paz DDS
Challenge: The patient is expressing oral inflammation and is pregnant. The clinical signs of periodontal disease due to pathogenic bacteria look identical to the clinical signs produced by pregnancy hormones. Background:  A 21-week pregnant patient, age 34, presented for care. Upon periodontal assessment, there was generalized marginal inflammation with moderate bleeding on probing. The probe depth readings were generalized 3-4mm. The patient’s oral homecare consisted of twice daily brus...
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Case Study: Pregnancy and Periodontal Pathogens

Posted on by Evelyn Chan DMD
Background: Patient is a 31 year old female, who presented with the chief complaint "My gums are swollen and painful." The last dental visit with exam was about 6 months ago. The radiographic examination including bitewings revealed horizontal bone loss and heavy amounts of generalized subgingival calculus. The patient's gums were erythematous with probe depths between 5-9 mm. Patient was diagnosed with generalized severe chronic periodontal disease. The additional challenge was that the patie...
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Pregnancy Gingivitis: Test, Don’t Guess

Posted on by Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH
In 2015, about 1 out of 10 babies was born too early in the United States (1). In recognition of November's Prematurity Awareness Month, enjoy a hygienist's passion for providing exceptional periodontal care not just for the patient but the unborn patient. "Recently, I was training in a well-established dental practice of more than 30 years.  The four woman, very talented and all out of school less than a year hygiene team, prompted the question about my opinion of pregnancy gingivitis. I...
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Pregnancy Gingivitis: Test, Don’t Guess

Posted on by Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH
Recently, I was training in a well-established dental practice of more than 30 years.  The four woman, very talented and all out of school less than a year hygiene team, prompted the question about my opinion of pregnancy gingivitis. I answered with a question of my own, “What did you learn in school about it?” Quite frankly, their response left me speechless, “It’s caused by increased blood flow and it will go away once the baby is born.”  WHAT?  Is this really being taught to the next genera...
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