Around eighty percent of American adults have some level of periodontal disease. When gingivitis (early gum disease) transitions into periodontitis (severe gum disease) not only will you have serious oral health issues, but your overall health can be impacted as well. Periodontal disease has been linked to serious problems such as heart disease,…
Around eighty percent of American adults have some level of periodontal disease. When gingivitis (early gum disease) transitions into periodontitis (severe gum disease) not only will you have serious oral health issues, but your overall health can be impacted as well. Periodontal disease has been linked to serious problems such as heart disease, risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes complications. Oral cancer is another condition that is much easier to fight, if detected early. Your Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, explains preventive screenings that we provide at our dentist office to attempt to catch gum disease and oral cancer at the earliest possible stages.
OralDNA at Checkups
Remember Jurassic Park? While using DNA technology to recreate dinosaurs in modern times might be complete science fiction, the study of DNA has opened the door for many medical advances over the years. In the field of dentistry, OralDna is utilized for periodontal analysis. OralDNA begins with a salivary test. Levels of the bacteria associated with gum disease are measured and analyzed. Dentists are then able to identify patients with a predisposition to periodontal disease. Early intervention, such as ultrasonic scaling and root planing, can be administered to the patient to halt gum disease before it gets worse. Long term damage that will require more invasive treatments and restorations, can then be avoided.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Statistics show that an average of one American dies from oral cancer every hour. Factors such as sunlight over-exposure, too much alcohol, and habitual cheek and lip biting, and, of course, tobacco use, can put you at a higher risk for this life-threatening disease. Dentists are trained to recognize bumps and sores in the mouth that send up a red flag. You can help make the early detection of oral cancer even easier by informing your dentist if you have any mouth sores that haven’t been healing, or bleed easily. If you experience any numbness or tenderness on your lips or in your mouth, schedule an appointment to see your dentist.
If periodontal disease and oral cancer concern you, or you are simply due for a dental checkup, call Dr. Erpenbach. You can reach our Knoxville dentist office at 865-584-8630. We are proud to offer comprehensive dentistry to patients in West Knoxville, the Bearden area, the 37919 zip code, and surrounding neighborhoods.
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