In the past, treating gum disease (periodontitis) was often a reactive process. We waited for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or bone loss before intervening. Today, at Total Health Dentistry of Encino, Dr. Isaac Comfortes utilizes a proactive, personalized approach that targets the root cause of the problem: the specific bacteria living beneath your gum line.
By combining OralDNA® testing with Perio Protect™ therapy, we are able to provide a level of care that goes far beyond traditional cleanings.
Step 1: OralDNA® – Identifying Your Unique Microbial Profile
Some bacteria are relatively harmless, while others are aggressive pathogens linked not only to tooth loss but also to systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
OralDNA® is a simple salivary test that allows us to peek “under the hood.” By analyzing a small sample of your saliva, we can determine:
- The specific types of bacteria present in your mouth.
- The concentration of these pathogens.
- Your genetic predisposition to inflammation.
This diagnostic precision ensures we aren’t just treating “gum disease” in general—we are treating your specific infection with a targeted plan.
Step 2: Perio Protect™ – Direct Delivery of Healing
The biggest challenge in treating gum disease is that bacteria hide in “pockets” deep under the gums where toothbrushes, floss, and even mouthwashes cannot reach.
Perio Protect™ solves this problem using custom-fit medicated trays. These trays are designed with a patented seal that gently guides antimicrobial medication (typically a 1.7% hydrogen peroxide gel) deep into the periodontal pockets.
- Continuous Care: You wear the trays for just minutes a day at home.
- Oxygen Therapy: The peroxide releases oxygen into the pockets, which kills the anaerobic bacteria that thrive in oxygen-poor environments.
- Fresher Breath & Whiter Teeth: As a side benefit, the medication naturally whitens teeth and eliminates the source of chronic bad breath.
Why This Duo is a Gum Disease Game Changer
When we use OralDNA to identify the enemy and Perio Protect to deliver the treatment, the results are transformative. Patients often see a significant reduction in pocket depth and bleeding within just weeks.
The Mouth-Body Connection: Protecting Your Systemic Health
More importantly, this combination supports your Total Health by addressing the hidden bridge between your mouth and your body. Science has long confirmed that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the system; when high-risk bacteria thrive in periodontal pockets, they don’t stay there. These pathogens can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue, triggering a cascade of systemic inflammation.
By using OralDNA® to identify these specific “bad actors” and Perio Protect™ to neutralize them at the source, we effectively lower your body’s overall inflammatory burden. This is vital because chronic inflammation is a known contributor to serious conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular Disease: Reducing oral bacteria helps protect arterial walls from inflammatory damage.
- Diabetes Management: Controlling gum disease can actually help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Cognitive Longevity: Minimizing systemic pathogens supports long-term brain health and reduces risks associated with neuroinflammation.
By reducing the bacterial load in your mouth, we aren’t just saving your teeth—we are reducing the “tax” on your immune system, allowing it to focus on keeping the rest of your body resilient and healthy.
Experience the Future of Periodontal Care
If you have been told you have gum disease, see inflammation of your gums, or simply want the most advanced preventive care available in Encino, Dr. Isaac Comfortes is here to help. Our goal is to ensure your smile remains a foundation for your total health.
The general, cosmetic and reconstructive dental practice of Encino dentist Dr. Isaac Comfortes is devoted to restoring optimal oral health, which supports whole body health and enhances the natural beauty of smiles.