Transmissible Bacteria Between Spouses

By: Carey Duraiappa, RDH

October 27, 2023

The Challenge:

My patient was very concerned about passing bacteria to his wife and young daughter.

The Background:

The 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
  • Other Notes: Reports increased ­­­stress over last year.
  • 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

The Solution:

Patient Solution:

  • Date of OralDNA® (Pre-Therapy) tests: Alert 2™ 07/22/2022
  • Periodontal Therapy: Scaling and root planing all quadrants, laser, irrigation
  • Systemic Antibiotic Used: Amoxicillin 500 TID and Metronidazole 500 BID
  • Home Care: Recommended using an electric toothbrush, floss and proxybrush.
  • Other Notes: Periodontal maintenance visit (PMV) with laser and irrigation on a 3-month interval.
  • Date of MyPerioProgress® (Post-Therapy) Test: 09/14/2022

Spouse Solution:

  • Date of Alert 2™ (Pre-Therapy) test: 08/09/2022
  • Periodontal Therapy: Prophylaxis
  • Systemic Antibiotic Used: None
  • Home Care: Recommended using an electric toothbrush and string floss instead of floss picks
  • Date of MyPerioProgress(R) (Post-Therapy) Test: 08/10/2023

The Result:

I learned certain bacteria are highly transmissible. Their tests were almost identical following my patient’s therapy. Her clinical signs did increase over the year even though her bacterial levels decreased resulting in her need to have periodontal therapy. Her bacteria reduced by 82% and left her with only 2 bacteria to her husband’s past results indicating her disease state may be due to another cause. 

This is good insight for patients who had clinical improvements, but their bacteria do not reduce. Also, I am more aware and ask, “Do you know the periodontal health of your spouse/significant other/etc..?” because both of the patients’ MyPerioProgress tests were almost identical even though they were a year apart and had different therapy completed.

About the Author:

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.