At the Washington Center for Dentistry, our seasoned team of dentists emphasizes preventive care and customizes oral hygiene treatment. Our goal is to help catch dental conditions, like periodontal disease, as early as possible before they become a serious cause of concern. For this reason, we are excited to offer innovative saliva testing to the Greater Washington, D.C. community to help our patients maintain their best smile and overall health. Our specific test focuses on identifying 11 different types of oral bacteria that can travel through the teeth and gum tissue into the bloodstream, which can greatly affect an individual’s general health, even when patients don’t show signs of periodontal disease.
Life-changing research was discovered during a landmark peer-reviewed study completed by the co-founders of the BaleDoneen Method®, Bradley Bale, M.D. and Amy Doneen, D.N.P. They are the first medical researchers to report that harmful bacteria from periodontal disease can travel through the bloodstream, which isn’t just a risk factor for, but a contributing cause of heart disease. They published their highly researched, evidence-based study, the oral-systematic link, in 2016. This extensive report revealed that oral bacteria release chemicals that make it easier for cholesterol to overrun the artery walls, which can lead to severe blood clots that can obstruct blood flow, causing a heart attack or stroke.
At the Washington Center for Dentistry, our objective is to eradicate or lower levels of these harmful oral bacteria. We accomplish this by performing saliva testing to gain a better understanding of your unique bacterial blueprint. Common oral bacteria that are cause for concern, which are identified with this test, include:
Each of these bacteria traps cholesterol in the arteries, which can lead to dangerous, life-threatening blood clots. These bacteria are often involved with heart disease, dental decay, and plaque in the arteries.
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A saliva test is a simple, noninvasive process that involves a quick, gargling-collection method. When you visit our office, we will have you spit into a small cup and will then send the sample to a certified lab to test it to identify and measure the specific bacteria in your mouth. Since bacteria are too small to notice with the naked eye, this technique is necessary to enable accurate identification. Once the sample has been analyzed, our office will receive a personal bacteria report that provides information about your saliva and potential health risks.
Saliva testing provides a high level of accuracy when detecting specific oral bacteria. It targets known bacterial strains and identifies them with reliable precision. The consistency of these results makes it a trusted tool for evaluating bacterial risk and guiding treatment based on real, measurable findings.
Results from saliva testing usually come back within a few days. Some labs process them in 24 – 48 hours, while others may take up to a week. The timeline depends on the lab being used and how quickly the sample is shipped and processed. Once your results are in, we’ll schedule a follow-up as soon as possible to let you know what’s going on with your health.
Saliva testing is effective for detecting conditions like periodontal disease and tooth decay. It can also reveal signs that you may be at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory infections, and complications in pregnancy, such as preterm birth or low birth weight. A saliva test is not a comprehensive diagnosis, but it can help identify potential health risks linked to the bacteria in your mouth.
If any harmful bacteria are found, our team will put together an individualized treatment plan that may involve the following:
Laser therapies that remove biofilm (bacteria)
Comprehensive dental cleanings
Microbial mouth rinses
Probiotic tablets
Oral antibiotics
The incredible benefit of saliva testing involves assessing your health risks and identifying dangerous oral bacteria to prevent life-threatening diseases or conditions, like:
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