Genetic Testing

Periodontal or gum disease is a complex disease about which scientists are gradually developing more and more knowledge into the different factors involved. The more knowledge we have about you as an individual, the better equipped we are to help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. That is why we recommend Cherrybank Periodontal Genetic Testing as part of our overall Health Screening and Prevention Protocol.

Information on Genetic Testing for Periodontal Disease Susceptibility 

This new genetic screening system allows you to discover if you are genetically predisposed to periodontal (gum disease). Your immune system fights the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. However, everyone’s immune system is different, and some people are more susceptible to gum (periodontal disease) than others. Testing is quick and completely painless by a simple mini-swab inside your mouth. 

The mouths of susceptible people can show uncontrollable, rapidly progressing periodontal disease despite their excellent oral hygiene. Their immune system typically shows higher levels of inflammation, leading to the destruction of gum and bone tissues, which can ultimately lead to premature tooth loss. 

This high inflammatory reaction can be hereditary or induced by prolonged exposure to environmental factors such as smoking, stress, diabetes and other systemic conditions.

These factors have been shown to amplify the effect of the increased inflammatory reaction, increasing the risk of rapid disease development. 

If the result comes back that you are at a high genetic risk, this does not mean that you will inevitably get the disease – but it does mean that control of the environmental factors is more critical to tip the balance in your favour. If the result comes back that you are at normal genetic risk, this does not mean that you cannot develop the disease, but it does mean that good control of environmental factors should have a positive outcome if your immune system remains healthy.

The results of the screening will enable us to devise an individual preventative or therapy treatment plan in order to avoid or slow down the development of periodontal disease.