SAN ANTONIO, USA: The link between genetics and periodontal disease was a focus of this year's annual meeting of the American Dental Association, which took place from Oct. 9 to 14. As part of the program, Interleukin Genetics, a U.S. company that develops and markets a line of genetic tests, presented its latest research on genetic testing with PerioPredict, a genetic test for periodontal disease susceptibility.

During the meeting in San Antonio, Interleukin Genetics CEO Dr. Kenneth S. Kornman, presented on the topic of genetic testing as part of risk stratification. Among other aspects, he spoke about the findings of a study, which was published in the Journal of Dental Research last year, that provided insight into the prevention of periodontal disease and the importance of a personalized approach to preventive care that includes genetics. 

"The concept of personalized medicine is not new, but current tools, especially in genomics, now allow us to identify and stratify patients with greater precision. This research is opening new doors for the dental profession in terms of optimizing patient care and early identification and prevention of severe periodontitis in patients who are at increased risk," Kornman said.

PerioPredict is a quick and painless test that can be performed by dentists during routine dental examination or cleaning. It measures variations in genes for interleukin-1, a key mediator of inflammation, and identifies individuals most susceptible to moderate or severe periodontal disease. 

Interleukin Genetics was presented with the 2014 Clinical Research Award from the American Academy of Periodontology for its innovation. The company also received the 2014 DrBicuspid Dental Excellence Award for Best New Hygienist Product. The Dental Excellence Awards are based on votes cast by more than 50,000 dental professionals and recognize the best products that help improve dental health. The votes are cast by members of the DrBicuspid.com professional community and DrBicuspid.com readers.