Research has uncovered more about how patients become susceptible to oral cancer and how periodontal disease pathogens may cause cardiovascular disease and pregnancy complications.
The incidence rate for oral cancer has increased for the last 5 consecutive years. Oral cancer is no longer a “smoker’s cancer.” It turns out, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the same virus that causes cervical cancer, is the main risk factor for oral cancer. Luckily, with research comes opportunity to identify, test, and treat pathogens before they advance to oral cancer. Intown Smile Studio offers genetic tests (in the form of a simple saliva test) for oral HPV. As with other cancers, early detection and understanding your risk factors is the key to beating oral cancer.
Periodontal disease is a silent disease, and it doesn’t only affect patients with poor oral hygiene. Patients who have always taken good care of their teeth and gums and who are compliant with keeping healthy dental visits are often surprised to find out they have gum disease. With genetic testing, we can identify which patients are more susceptible to getting periodontal disease. If you’re susceptible, we offer simple preventive treatment to help ensure you never get periodontal disease.
Also, research now shows specific periodontal disease pathogens (bacteria) may cause cardiovascular disease and pregnancy complications and miscarriage. At Intown Smile Studio, with simple saliva samples we genetically test for these specific pathogens. If the pathogens are present in your mouth/gums, we have simple minimally invasive treatment options to eliminate these pathogens and therefore that cardiovascular and/or pregnancy risk.