Question 1

What is Periodontal Disease?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that destroys the gums, ligaments, and bone supporting the teeth. It is caused by bacterial infection from plaque buildup, particularly from Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia. The Coenzyme Q10 test is the most important blood test for assessing nutritional factors that support periodontal health and healing.

Question 2

What causes periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial infection from dental plaque that accumulates on teeth and gums. The primary bacterial culprits include Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola, which form biofilms that trigger chronic inflammation. When plaque hardens into tartar, these bacteria release toxins that break down the connective tissue and bone supporting your teeth, leading to gum recession, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

The Coenzyme Q10 test is the most important blood test for periodontal disease because it detects deficiencies in this crucial antioxidant that supports gum tissue health and healing. Research shows that people with periodontal disease consistently have reduced Coenzyme Q10 levels in their gum tissues, which impairs the body's ability to fight bacterial infection and repair damaged tissue. While periodontal disease is primarily diagnosed through clinical dental examination with periodontal probing to measure pocket depths, the Coenzyme Q10 blood test identifies nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to the progression of gum disease and preventing proper healing.

Question 4

When should I get tested for periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath that does not go away, gums that are red, swollen, or tender, or teeth that feel loose or are shifting position. Getting a Coenzyme Q10 blood test is particularly valuable if you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and want to address underlying nutritional factors that may be hindering healing, or if you are not responding well to standard dental treatments and want to explore systemic causes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease symptoms include bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, swollen or tender gums that appear red or purplish, persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth, and receding gums that make your teeth look longer. As the disease progresses, you may notice loose teeth, changes in your bite, gaps forming between teeth, or pus between your teeth and gums. Early-stage periodontal disease, called gingivitis, may cause only mild symptoms, which is why many people do not realize they have gum disease until it has advanced.

Question 6

Who is at risk for periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

People who smoke or use tobacco products face the highest risk for periodontal disease, as tobacco weakens the immune system and reduces blood flow to gums. Other risk factors include poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes or prediabetes, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, chronic stress, obesity, and nutritional deficiencies particularly in vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10. Certain medications that reduce saliva flow, genetic predisposition, and conditions that compromise immunity such as HIV or cancer treatments also significantly increase your risk of developing severe gum disease.

Question 7

What happens if periodontal disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated periodontal disease progressively destroys the bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth, leading to tooth loss and the need for dentures or implants. The chronic inflammation and bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk for serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature birth. Research also links severe periodontal disease to increased risk of certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and cognitive decline, making treatment essential not just for oral health but for overall wellness.

Question 8

Can periodontal disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease cannot be directly diagnosed with a blood test, as diagnosis requires clinical dental examination with periodontal probing to measure pocket depths around teeth and assess bone loss through X-rays. However, blood tests like the Coenzyme Q10 test play a valuable supporting role by identifying nutritional deficiencies and biochemical imbalances that may contribute to gum disease progression or prevent healing. These blood tests help create a more comprehensive treatment approach by addressing systemic factors alongside traditional dental treatments such as scaling, root planing, and improved oral hygiene.

Question 9

How is periodontal disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease treatment starts with professional deep cleaning procedures called scaling and root planing, which remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooth root surfaces to help gums reattach. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotic mouth rinses, gels, or oral antibiotics to control bacterial infection. Advanced cases may require surgical interventions such as flap surgery to reduce pocket depths, bone grafts to regenerate lost bone, or tissue grafts to cover exposed roots. Treatment success depends heavily on improved daily oral hygiene, smoking cessation, managing conditions like diabetes, and addressing nutritional deficiencies such as low Coenzyme Q10 through supplementation when appropriate.

Question 10

How can I prevent periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

Preventing periodontal disease requires brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Schedule professional dental cleanings and examinations every six months or more frequently if you have risk factors. Quit smoking or using tobacco products, maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, manage chronic conditions like diabetes effectively, and reduce stress through regular exercise and adequate sleep. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can provide additional protection, and replacing your toothbrush every three months ensures effective plaque removal.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies that support gum health include oil pulling with coconut oil for 10-15 minutes daily to reduce harmful bacteria, rinsing with warm salt water to soothe inflamed gums, and applying aloe vera gel directly to irritated gum tissue. Supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 when blood tests reveal deficiency can improve gum tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Green tea contains catechins with anti-inflammatory properties that benefit gum health when consumed regularly. However, these natural approaches should complement, not replace, professional dental care and proper oral hygiene, as severe periodontal disease requires professional treatment to prevent permanent damage and tooth loss.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Periodontal Disease Blood Test

What is Periodontal Disease?

What causes periodontal disease?

What is the best test for periodontal disease?

When should I get tested for periodontal disease?

References

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