Saliva Pathogen & Genetic Testing

Most Americans have some degree of periodontal (gum disease). If your gums bleed when you brush, you’re one of them.

But gum disease is more than just an annoyance. Left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss. And science has repeatedly shown links between periodontal disease and a whole range of inflammatory conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s.

The advanced testing we do through OralDNA Labs gives us a much better understanding of the microbial ecology of your mouth, identifying specific pathogens (“bad” or disease-causing microbes) and genetic markers. This information allows us to customize your dental care at a level impossible before.

All it takes is a small saliva sample, which we send to the lab for analysis. They send us the requested reports, showing which pathogens are present to what degree or your genetic propensity to gum disease. To get an idea of the kind of information we receive, check out the sample reports here and here.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.