Dothan, AL dentist explains how oral bacteria testing services help in treatment of gum disease

You may already be aware that gum disease is one of the most commonly occurring dental diseases in the United States. It affects an alarming number of adults and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Gum disease starts as a buildup of plaque on the teeth and gum line that can eventually lead to irreversible damage and an increased risk for other health conditions. At Biodentist Alabama in Dothan, we use oral bacteria testing services to help us with the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. Below, we’ll explain gum disease and the important role oral bacteria testing can have in your oral health.

Oral Bacteria Testing and Gum Disease Diagnosis

When it comes to gum disease, early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent serious health concerns. In fact, in many cases, gum disease can be prevented or completely reversed when it’s diagnosed early.

At Biodentist Alabama, we use microscopic evaluation to detect early changes in oral bacteria so we can determine which treatment is best for that type of bacteria. We use a combination of holistic treatments along with traditional dental treatments in order to manage gum disease. When gum disease is left untreated, the gum tissue will become inflamed and painful, begin to recede or bleed easily, and teeth may shift out of place or even fall out.

Comprehensive prevention should include oral bacteria testing.

Dr. Pfister uses microscopic evaluation of oral bacteria as a part of comprehensive prevention treatment. By taking a small sample of plaque and viewing it under the high-powered microscope, he can evaluate the movement and count of the bacteria, paying close attention to the spirochetes. Within the bacteria, the rods and spirochetes are responsible for the destruction of the gum and bone tissue.

Spirochetes are slender, long corkscrew-shaped microbes that are strongly linked to the onset of gum disease. This is because the microbes trigger an immune system response that results in symptoms such as chronic bad breath, bleeding, and swollen, painful gums. The spirochetes hide deep in the periodontal pockets, attacking the roots and bone tissue.

When bacteria invade the gums and bone around the teeth deep in the periodontal pockets, they begin to thrive and replicate, infecting the tissue and entering the bloodstream. When this happens, the infection that originated in the mouth can begin to have a detrimental effect on other organs within the body.

Oral bacteria can increase the risk of other health concerns

When oral bacteria enter the blood, they can increase the risk of other systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung infection, certain types of cancers, Alzheimer’s and low birth weight in pregnancy.

Benefits of microscopic oral bacteria testing services

• More effective examination of the gum tissue
• Ability to detect small amounts of inflammation
• Early diagnosis of gum disease allowing non-surgical treatment
• Ability to monitor the efficacy of treatment by evaluating bacteria microscopically
• Allows the patient to have visibility of the impact of bacteria
• Allows us to recommend specific toothpaste and mouthwash products based on the type of bacteria discovered.

Oral bacteria testing is quick and painless and offers immediate advantages when improving oral health. Dr. Pfister may also provide saliva testing depending on the findings of the microscopic plaque evaluation.

Good oral hygiene is vital to oral health

While oral bacteria testing is a great tool in diagnosing and treating gum disease, good oral hygiene habits are essential to preventing gum disease. Individuals should always make sure to brush at least twice a day, floss every day and schedule routine visits with Dr. Pfister who is trained to identify the early signs of gum disease even when no symptoms are present.

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Schedule your appointment today.

Your oral health is a window into your overall wellness. When it comes to the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, oral bacteria testing services play an important role in helping you stay healthy. If you are in the Dothan, AL area and have questions about oral bacteria testing services or you would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (855) 939-5566. Biodentist Alabama offers a full range of comprehensive dental services to patients of all ages.