Importance of Oral Bacteria Testing Dothan AL

The importance of bacteria testing in Dothan, AL: Supports oral and overall health

Dr. Nathan Pfister

Importance of Oral Bacteria Testing at Biodentist Alabama in Dothan AL Area

At Biodentist Alabama, gum disease and other oral conditions are treated proactively. Prompt treatment requires early detection. Our dentists, Dr. Nathan Pfister and Dr. Brian Pfister use sophisticated diagnostic technologies to accurately evaluate the specific types of bacteria and quantities of bacteria that are present in the mouth. The importance of oral bacteria testing in Dothan, AL also transcends the health of the teeth and gums.

Oral-systemic connection

The oral cavity doesn’t exist in isolation. Harmful oral pathogens and ensuing inflammation can damage the entire “system” or body. Conditions such as gum disease have been linked to problems with systems and organs that are distant from the mouth; for instance, certain strains of mouth bacteria have been implicated in a range of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cognitive diseases. By understanding the oral bacteria that are present in your mouth, we as dentists get a great insight into personalized treatment options as well as your risk of developing systemic conditions. Additionally, we use Nikon® a research-grade, phase contrast microscope to monitor how well these personalized treatments are working. The clear images that are rendered support accurate diagnostics and effective treatment that accounts for specific bacterial strains and the implications of these pathogens for the person as a whole.

Testing

Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth. This sticky substance contains bacteria. If not removed adequately with brushing and flossing, plaque builds up. Soft plaque and its hardened form (tartar) inflame supportive gum tissue and erode hard tooth material. We sample a small amount of plaque from the surface of a tooth. This sample is viewed under our advanced microscope. Other dental offices may rely on what they see upon visual inspection or what is viewed under slight magnification. There are 600 to 1,000 species of oral bacteria. By using next-generation microscopy, we can pinpoint the specific types and amounts of oral bacteria. Other common screenings that are used by dentists may look for no more than 20 species. These dentists are missing out on a considerable number of bacterial species!

Our dentists can even show patients what they see under the microscope. When patients view the microorganisms on a slide, the reaction ranges from, “Is this really wiggling around in my mouth?” to “What I can do about this?” It really drives the importance of proactive care at home.

During our evaluation, we may detect the presence of one of a handful of species that are associated with an elevated risk of developing advanced or aggressive gum disease. These species include:

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis)
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a)

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We may also find species that are implicated in the development of around 80% of cavities or tooth decay. These species include:

Strep mutans
Strep sobrinus
L. casei

Moreover, P. gingivalis has also been linked to the development of atherosclerosis. This buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries can lead to coronary artery disease and increase your risk of having a heart attack or going into heart failure. Additionally, we can detect the presence of other disease-producing pathogens, including viruses that have been implicated in the rise of oral cancers among young non-smokers.

Testing is easy, non-invasive, painless, quick, and preventative. Call (855) 939-5566 to schedule an appointment at our office in Dothan.

Dr. Nathan Pfister

Dr. Pfister's passion for non-invasive biologic dentistry began while practicing dentistry in Hawaii and he learned of the power of ozone in dentistry. From Hawaii, Dr. Pfister moved to his hometown of Upland as the protégé of the world-renowned ozone dentist Dr. Bill Domb...

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Dr. Brian Pfister

Dr. Brian Pfister was born and raised in Upland, CA. He attended Brigham Young University-Idaho, graduating with a degree in exercise physiology with a minor in chemistry. From Idaho, Dr. Brian returned to southern California to continue dental training at Western University College of Dental Medicine.

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The importance of bacteria testing in Dothan, AL: Supports oral and overall health

Oral-systemic connection

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Dr. Nathan Pfister

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