Can genetic testing reveal how often you need a dental cleaning?

At Smiles by Shields, we’re your Jacksonville dentist to provide regular preventive care as well as interventions if your teeth begin experiencing decay. The American Dental Association is exploring how genetic testing may be useful in the process of preventive care and your personal rapport with your dentist.

While experts disagree on the necessity of genetic testing for preventive care, the fact is that the ADA’s recommendation of prophylaxis is based on population data that shows this schedule will prevent decay in the majority of patients. However, dentition varies from one person to the next and some people may require cleanings only every 12 or 24 months.

If genetic screening becomes a regular practice, you can expect your cleaning schedule to be more specific to your own genetic predisposition to tooth decay. If you have questions about your teeth and the best schedule for your preventive maintenance, call the team at Smiles by Shields today!