There are two parts to DNA-PCR testing. The first, Micro Ident, costs around $150 and identifies oral pathogens for the accurate diagnosis of periodontitis, or gum disease. The second, PST, is administered for about $130 and evaluates the person’s susceptibility to gum disease.

“Using DNA technology, the DNA-PCR test allows us to specifically identify oral bacteria that cause infections much earlier and treat them before they cause severe damage to a person’s health,” said Dr. Azimi, DDS, the first general and cosmetic dentist in Nevada certified to administer the DNA-PCR exam.

“To administer the test, we gather saliva samples from the patient’s mouth using cotton-tipped swabs,” Dr. Azimi continued. “The samples are then shipped to a laboratory for analysis. The lab sends us a detailed report identifying the oral bacteria present, allowing us to quickly and precisely diagnose and treat periodontal disease.”

In the past, periodontal disease was treated by clinical signs and symptoms. Now DNA-PCR uses molecular biology technology derived from the Human Genome Project to provide a concrete method of identifying the disease, allowing dentists to prescribe an accurate treatment. The Human Genome Project, begun formally in 1990, was coordinated by the federal Department of Energy with the chief goal of identifying all of the approximately 25,000 genes in human DNA.

There are more than 600 different types of bacteria present in the human mouth. Scientists at the Forsyth Institute in Boston have identified 13 strains of pathogenic bacteria which are the most common chronic infection in the U.S. population. These strains cause gum disease and can also contribute to heart disease, stroke, preterm birth, pregnancy complications, worsening of diabetes and certain forms of cancer. Early treatment of periodontitis may help prevent these other health problems.

Gum disease, which affects 90 percent of Americans during their lifetime, is contagious and should be taken seriously. If one family member is diagnosed with periodontitis, other family members should be tested and receive treatment if necessary.

An oral health study—the largest government examination of the nation’s dental health in more than 25 years—by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on April 30 noted that the percentage of adults who said they’d seen a dentist in the previous year dropped to 60 percent, from 66 percent.

“Knowing that good oral health is an indicator of overall health, and may in fact help prevent systemic disease, should be motivation enough for everyone to regularly visit a dentist,” Dr Azimi said. A systemic disease is a disorder that affects the entire body.

“Some insurance plans will cover the DNA-PCR test,” said Dr. Azimi. “But even without insurance reimbursement, the peace of mind that comes as a result of the exam is worth it.”