IN THE NEWS

Periodontal disease DNA test helps identify individuals at higher risk of disease and tooth loss

New technology has made it possible to use DNA testing to help identify people who are genetically predisposed to severe periodontal disease. The risk for periodontal disease increases 3- to 7-fold in individuals who test positive. The risk factor is 3-fold for tooth loss.

Early detection of patients at increased risk facilitates prevention and early intervention efforts. Periodontal Disease, or gum disease, is a common condition that varies in severity from person to person and usually starts when people are in their 30's or 40's. Symptoms may include:

• red, swollen, tender gums
• bleeding while brushing and/or flossing
• receding gums
• loose or separating teeth
• persistent bad breath
• denture fitting problems
• a change in bite and jaw alignment

Consider testing if any of these statements apply to you:

• You're concerned about gum (periodontal) disease and want to know if you're at risk.
• You have early signs of periodontal disease.
• Your children may be at risk because you have gum disease.
• You may be at risk because you have a family member with gum disease.
• You're considering advanced surgical or complex restorative procedures such as implants.
• You're considering orthodontic treatment such as braces.

Staff Members attend conference on periodontal DNA testing

Staff members Lorie Newton and Sheila Gallagher recently attended a conference hosted by ADDX, a company that provides a test to determine what bacteria is causing a patient’s periodontal disease and which antibiotic can be used to overcome it.

Read more about ADDX

Portable device show s promise for rapid oral cancer testing

Scientists supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research have engineered what they call the first fully automated, all-in-one "lab on a chip" test that can be programmed to identify a common sign of oral cancer in cells brushed from the mouth.

About half the size of a toaster, the portable device yields results in just under 10 minutes.

"What's exciting is the speed and efficiency that this test will bring to the diagnostic process," said John McDevitt, Ph.D., a scientist at the University of Texas at Austin. "Patients will get immediate results and feedback from their dentist or doctor on how best to proceed."

According to the Texas team, their study showed that their test could accurately measure levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on three distinct types of oral cancer cells. This protein, which is normally displayed on the surface of cells, tends to be overproduced in oral tumor cells and serves as a measurable marker of oral cancer.