Microscopic evaluation


Everyone has bacteria in their mouth but what is important is what kind and how much. The phase contrast microscope is a marvelous tool that can screen for bacteria and parasites that can be detrimental to your oral health as well as your overall health. And the great news is that it can even find these long before they have done any damage. The microscope also allows us to monitor the environment of the mouth. Altering the environment of the mouth is important when we are creating a healthy state.

Right: USA Today article describing the link between oral bacteria and its effect elsewhere in the body.

As part of our examination a small sample of plaque will be taken from your mouth to prescreen you for periodontal disease. There is a substantial amount of research that confirms that certain types of bacteria in the oral cavity are also found in patients with cardiovascular disease and some respiratory illnesses. People with periodontal disease are 1 to 1 1/2 times more likely to suffer fatal heart attacks and nearly 3 times as likely to suffer a stroke. This process is painless and can be evaluated immediately so as to determine your next step in improving and maintaining your oral health.

Click here to see a video clip of spirochete bacteria breaking down a white blood cell.

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