A study published in the Journal of Dental Research suggests a new system for classifying periodontal disease that may allow for earlier detection and personalized treatment before the disease becomes severe.
Spurred by the need for a better way to classify gum disease, the researchers looked at the recent changes to the way cancer is diagnosed.
They propose a new classification system – the first of its kind – based on the genetic expression of gum disease instead of the current method based on clinical signs and symptoms.
Such a system would enable earlier detection of gum disease, and allow individualized treatment, before teeth and bone loss sets in.
Read the full, original story: Classifying gum disease genetically could help earlier diagnosis and treatment