Oral Bacteria Microscope Assessment
Did you know that it is possible to know if you have the most deadly bacteria in your mouth? With the use of a Phase Contrast Video Microscope, Dr. Vann is able to view the different types of bacteria present in your mouth. When you come in for your teeth cleaning, Dr. Vann will take a pain-free plaque sample from under your gums and put it on a slide to view on the microscope. Dr. Vann will discuss with you the findings and how you can eliminate them. There are certain bacteria linked to heart disease and stroke, specifically spirochetes, gliding rods, amoeba, and trichomonad. If Dr. Vann discovers these bacteria are present in your mouth, then she would recommend a home-care regiment specifically designed for the patient. Spirochetes are not easy to get rid of and can be passed along from person to person. You can see the spirochetes attacking a white blood cell in the middle of the screen: