What is oral microbiome testing?
Your mouth is home to hundreds of different microorganisms. Some are beneficial, while others can contribute to cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease when the balance is disrupted. Oral microbiome testing uses a saliva or oral rinse sample to look for specific microorganisms and biomarkers associated with oral health.
Why would my dentist test my oral bacteria?
Two patients can have very different oral health outcomes even when they appear to have similar brushing and flossing habits. Testing can help identify specific periodontal pathogens or bacteria associated with increased cavity risk.
Can oral bacteria cause gum disease?
Certain bacteria are associated with periodontal disease, and identifying specific periodontal pathogens can provide additional information when we're evaluating your gum health. MyPerioPath looks for specific periodontal pathogens associated with periodontal disease.
Can a saliva test tell me if I'm at risk for cavities?
It can provide additional information about certain bacteria associated with cavity risk. OralDNA's OraRisk Caries evaluates bacteria associated with the development of dental caries. This can be particularly interesting for patients who seem to develop cavities repeatedly despite good oral hygiene.
Why do I keep getting cavities even though I brush and floss?
Cavities are multifactorial. Your oral bacteria, diet, saliva, oral hygiene, fluoride exposure, medications, dry mouth and other factors can all influence your risk. A bacterial risk assessment can give us another piece of the puzzle so we can create a more personalized prevention strategy.
Can oral microbiome testing detect gingivitis or gum disease?
Testing isn't a replacement for a periodontal examination. We still evaluate your gums clinically, including inflammation, bleeding, pocket depths, bone levels and other signs of periodontal disease. But bacterial testing can provide additional information about the specific organisms present and may help us personalize treatment.
What does genetics have to do with gum disease?
Your genes don't determine your destiny when it comes to gum disease. But certain genetic variations may be associated with how your body responds to inflammation. OralDNA's MyPerioID® IL-6 evaluates a genetic marker associated with periodontal susceptibility. That information can be considered together with your clinical findings, bacterial profile, lifestyle and other risk factors.
If I have a genetic risk for gum disease, does that mean I will get gum disease?
No. Genetics is only one part of the picture. Gum disease is influenced by multiple genetic, environmental and behavioral factors. A genetic risk marker does not mean that you are destined to develop periodontal disease. Instead, it may help us understand your individual risk profile.
What is an oral health biomarker?
A biomarker is a measurable biological characteristic that can give us information about what's happening in the body. In oral health, saliva can contain human DNA, microbial DNA, proteins, inflammatory molecules and other biological components. That's why saliva is an increasingly interesting tool in personalized and preventive dentistry.
What is the difference between MyPerioPath, MyPerioID and OraRisk Caries?
Think of them as different pieces of the oral health puzzle. MyPerioPath looks for specific periodontal pathogens. MyPerioID looks at a genetic marker associated with susceptibility to periodontal infection. And OraRisk Caries looks at specific bacteria associated with cavity risk. OralDNA also offers Alert 2, which combines MyPerioPath and MyPerioID.
Is the test complicated?
Not at all. The collection is incredibly simple. With OralDNA testing, we use an oral rinse collection—you simply swish and gargle, and the sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Who should consider oral microbiome testing?
I particularly like testing for patients who have recurring cavities, persistent gingivitis or periodontal disease, a family history of gum disease, unexplained oral inflammation, or who simply want a more personalized approach to prevention.
Does this replace my dental exam and X-rays?
Absolutely not. Biomarker testing is an adjunct, not a replacement for your clinical examination, periodontal measurements, radiographs or other diagnostic tools when they're indicated. The most valuable information comes from putting everything together.
Why do you offer oral microbiome testing at Comfy Dental Studios?
At Comfy Dental Studios, we believe dentistry should be proactive—not just reactive. By combining your clinical examination with your individual risk factors and, when appropriate, oral bacterial and genetic information, we can create a more personalized approach to prevention and treatment.
Your mouth is telling us a story. The question is: are we listening? If you're experiencing recurring cavities, bleeding gums, gum disease, or you simply want to understand your individual oral health risk, ask us about OralDNA® salivary diagnostics at Comfy Dental Studios in Beverly Hills.