Long thought of as simply a mass of bacteria that grows on our teeth over time, plaque apparently could offer great insight into our oral health. The latest studies completed by the Oral Microbiome and Metagenomics Research Lab (OMMR) at the Faculty of Dentistry have shown that plaque could be a more complex material that first thought. Within this post, we’ll go into greater detail on the new data and what it could mean for future dental treatments.
Greater Consistency than Saliva Sampling
One of the major benefits discovered through the latest research was that plaque could provide researchers with a greater degree of sample consistency than current saliva sampling techniques. The problem with saliva samples is that the bacteria within saliva can change throughout the day, preventing professionals from achieving a clear picture on the person’s oral health. The bacterial content from plaque samples, however, remains quite stable over time. This provides health care teams with a greater foundation to understanding a patient’s health.
Learn more about sedation dentistry options.
Non-Invasive
Plaque samples could also offer a non-invasive method of locating stable bacteria samples. Many research teams currently use bacteria from the intestines and the stomach to understand the processes taking place in a patient’s system. But these procedures often require surgery and are considered invasive. Plaque sampling can be completed simply and requires no invasive methods.
Comparison with Biomarkers
The researchers at the OMMR lab found that by using the 16S rRNA gene, which is found in all bacteria on the planet, they could then identify other bacteria present in a plaque sample. Through this process, the research team could distinguish biomarkers that correlate with certain health conditions. This could allow medical teams to build a proactive treatment regimen that is customized to the patient’s unique health conditions. Because this analysis can be completed in just hours, it’s an exciting development in the area of medical diagnosis and could prevent millions from being misdiagnosed in future.
By understanding the bacteria in our mouths and by learning more about what plaque is telling us about the individual patient, we, as care professionals, can improve treatment results and help patients maximize their health over the long-term. It’s exciting news for all hardworking healthcare professionals. To discuss this latest research with an expert, please contact our office team directly today!
Helpful Resources
For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental Health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean is also the official dentist of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham.
