4 Topic Commentaries

Experts Call for Risk-Based Periodontal Prevention

• 

  William V. Giannobile, DDS, DMSc

  Najjar Endowed Professor of Dentistry and Biomedical Engineering; Chair, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine

  •

  University of Michigan School of Dentistry

  Twice-yearly cleanings have been recommended for over 50 years without supporting evidence.

  [Source]
• 

  Flavia R. F. Teles, DDS, MS, DMSc

  Associate Professor

  •

  University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

  One can imagine a saliva test kit, based on such findings, that dentists could use and even periodontitis patients could use at home—it could be a very useful personalized-dentistry tool for assessing risk and tailoring care delivery.

  [Source]
• 

  Sara G. Grossi, DDS

  Clinical Director, UB Periodontal Disease Research Center

  •

  University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine

  This is a definitive step in establishing smoking as a true risk factor. We now can show, not only that people who have the disease have more, but that people who were free of disease now have the disease.

  [Source]
• 

  Panos N. Papapanou, DDS, PhD

  Professor and Chair, Section of Oral and Diagnostic Sciences; Director, Division of Periodontics

  •

  Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery

  We intend to identify the molecular basis of the wide spectrum of responses to periodontal bacteria, and use this information to reduce the risk of periodontitis and develop new, more targeted therapies.

  [Source]