Salivary Diagnostics, Lasers and Beyond…

Posted on January 12, 2018May 19, 2021 by Liz Lundry RDH

As a hygienist, one of my main duties is to provide non-surgical therapy for the treatment of periodontal disease. The goal, (during the non-surgical treatment approach), is to change the environment of the pocket, address the active infection and keep the patient in remission as long as possible. Meticulous removal of sub-gingival calculus with hand instruments and micro-ultrasonics is crucial. We must provide a biologically acceptable root surface. In addition to detoxifying the root su...

Case Study: Class II Periodontitis

Posted on January 5, 2018May 19, 2021 by Sue Baughman RDH

Background: The patient is a 54 year old female who presented with the chief complaint “My gums bleed when I brush, there are possible cavities and I don’t like the tooth crowding.” Her last dental visit was about 6 years ago. There is a family history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer. The home care consisted of manual tooth brushing 1-2 times per day with occasional antibacterial mouth rinse. During the clinical assessment, it was discovered that several amalgam restor...

An Interview with Sue Baughman

Posted on December 29, 2017May 19, 2021 by Sue Baughman RDH

Dr. McGlennen: What are the top 2 things to consider when you select a patient for testing? Sue RDH: I do not filter who I share this valuable information with. ALL patients have the right to know that there are tests to determine what type of bacteria is in their mouth that may be harmful to their overall health. In other words, I educate all patients on what they need and then it is up to the patient to decide. I have patients who take their total health and well-being very seri...

The True Cost of Clinical Lab Testing

Posted on December 22, 2017May 19, 2021 by Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH

As an in-office coach I often hear the following objection, “Clinical laboratory testing is too expensive. My patients won’t want to spend the money.” Taking into consideration the latest research, released in the online British Medical Journal November 29, 2016, which states that periodontal disease with high risk pathogens (Aa, Pg, Tf, Td, Fn) is causal for arterial sclerotic vascular disease, the patient can’t afford NOT to test for the presence of these dangerous bacteria. (1) As a pr...

A Higher Standard of Care

Posted on December 8, 2017May 19, 2021 by Stacey Espe RDH

For many years now, research has shown that there is a mouth body connection. In other words, what is happening in the mouth can impact what is happening with the body! In order for someone to have good health, they need to have good oral health. Unfortunately, periodontal disease is silent, as it does not hurt until it is severe. The minimal pain factor, as periodontal disease develops, may be why 80% of the United States population is suffering from periodontal disease. In the next paragra...

Case Study: Pregnancy and Periodontal Pathogens

Posted on December 1, 2017May 19, 2021 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...

Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on November 24, 2017May 19, 2021 by Richard H. Nagelberg, DDS

In honor of National Alzheimer’s Month, enjoy this repost from 3/3/2017. A 2016 study published in PloS One1 examined the impact of periodontitis on the rate of cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Sixty community dwelling patients with mild to moderate AD were cognitively assessed and blood samples were taken for detection and quantification of systemic inflammatory markers. Initial clinical assessments of periodontal health were conducted and the same assessme...

Periodontist Turned Patient

Posted on November 17, 2017May 19, 2021 by Lauralee Nygaard DDS MS PS

As a periodontist, I pride myself on healthy gums. I admit to only getting a prophylaxis when the schedule permitted. My home care most likely resembles what most dental professional do, brush twice daily with an electric toothbrush and flossing most days. In grad school, it was discovered I had a few 4mm periodontal pockets. However, my professors were not concerned and I was never diagnosed with periodontal disease. Now fast forward several years. At age 37, after surviving an...

Pregnancy Gingivitis: Test, Don’t Guess

Posted on November 3, 2017May 19, 2021 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...

Education and Encouragement through Connecting and Commitment: An Interview with Rosie Jimenez

Posted on October 27, 2017May 19, 2021 by Rosie Jimenez RDH

Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how do you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Rosie RDH: Let me begin by sharing; I have been very fortunate to work in practices that support my passion for treating periodontal disease. My patients have benefited through the communication, assessment and treatment I provide. I know there are hygienists who feel they are not supported in their efforts. In honor of dental hygiene month, my advice- stay strong, keep educating yourself on new technologies and keep as...