It might seem counterintuitive to say that dental plaque can actually play a role in protecting your oral and overall health. After all, your dentist in Fox Chapel is always telling you to brush and floss in order to get rid of plaque — and that is completely sound advice. But did you know that by sampling the plaque and bacteria in your mouth, your dentist can gain profound insight into your present and perhaps even your future oral health? Let’s discuss how the phase contrast microscope makes this possible.
What Is the Phase Contrast Microscope?
The concept behind phase contrast microscopy has been around for many decades. Basically, this type of microscope takes advantages of how different substances refract light. It uses those small differences in refractivity to allow the person looking through the microscope to see clearly the organisms in the sample that they’re viewing. Thus, they can differentiate between different types of bacteria and identify them with relative ease.
Phase Contrast Microscopy in Dentistry
Most dentists diagnose gum disease via basic means. They use tools, such as their eyes, a mirror, and a dental probe, to evaluate the state of a patient’s gums. In order to diagnose gum disease at that point, however, there already has to be a little damage present.
By sampling the plaque and bacteria in your mouth and examining it under a phase contrast microscope, however, Dr. Voller may be able to provide the earliest possible diagnosis of gum disease. Even if you do not yet have gum disease, he can tell whether the harmful bacteria that causes it is in your mouth. Your body may be doing a good job of fighting gum disease at the moment, but the presence of the bacteria indicates a future risk of you developing the condition.
Benefits of Phase Contrast Microscopy
Here are just a few benefits you can expect to reap from phase contrast microscopy in dentistry:
- Protect your oral health. Knowing that you are at risk for gum disease can motivate you to be extra diligent about caring for your smile. Through a diligent oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits, you may be able to protect your gums for a lifetime.
- Prevent systemic illness. Did you know that gum disease has been connected to a number of serious systemic health conditions? By keeping your gums in good shape, you may be able to save yourself from cardiovascular problems, Alzheimer’s, and other illnesses.
- Help your family. Up to 30 percent of the population is genetically predisposed to gum disease, and some dental habits tend to run in families. Therefore, if you find out that you may develop gum disease in the future, you and your family can work together to help each other maintain healthy smiles.
Your oral bacteria can provide valuable insight into your present and future oral health! Why not visit Dr. Voller to find out how phase contrast microscopy might benefit you?
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller is a general and restorative dentist in Fox Chapel and Kittanning. He uses phase contrast microscopy and other state of the art tools to complement his experience and skills in caring for his patients’ oral and overall wellbeing. If you would like his help to achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums, contact our team today.