The Power of Oral Salivary Testing
At Reclaim Integrative Dentistry & Implant Center, we believe in proactive and personalized care. One of the most valuable tools in modern dentistry is oral salivary testing, which allows us to assess your oral microbiome and detect potential issues before they escalate into serious health concerns. We partner with Bristle Health, a leader in advanced salivary diagnostics, to provide our patients with cutting-edge testing and tailored treatment plans.
Why Oral Salivary Testing Matters
Your mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species, some beneficial and some harmful. While traditional dental exams can identify cavities and gum disease after they develop, salivary testing gives us deeper insights into why these issues occur. This proactive approach enables us to detect early warning signs of oral disease, optimize your home care routine, and even identify connections between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
What Can Oral Salivary Testing Detect?
Through Bristle Health’s comprehensive analysis, we can detect key bacteria linked to various oral and systemic conditions, including:
- Periodontal Pathogens – Bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola contribute to gum disease and bone loss.
- Cavity-Causing Bacteria – Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species are major culprits behind tooth decay.
- Bad Breath-Causing Bacteria – Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia are often responsible for chronic halitosis.
- Fungal and Viral Organisms – Yeast and viruses like Candida albicans and herpes simplex virus can contribute to oral infections and discomfort.
- Systemic Health Markers – Elevated levels of harmful bacteria can indicate increased risks for heart disease, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
How Salivary Testing Improves Your Oral Health
Once we receive your results, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific bacterial profile. This may include:
- Targeted Home Care Recommendations: Based on your bacterial composition, we may recommend specialized oral care products such as antimicrobial mouth rinses, probiotics, or prescription toothpaste.
- Dietary Adjustments: Since certain bacteria thrive on sugar and acidic environments, we provide guidance on dietary choices to support a healthier oral microbiome.
- Professional Treatments: If high-risk bacteria are present, we may suggest deep cleanings, laser therapy, or ozone therapy to reduce pathogenic load.
- Supplement Support: Probiotics and specific vitamins can help rebalance your oral and gut microbiome, promoting long-term health.
Take Control of Your Oral and Overall Health
With oral salivary testing, you no longer have to wait until problems arise to take action. Bristle Health’s advanced testing gives us the data needed to customize your dental care and prevent disease before it starts.
If you’re interested in optimizing your oral health and uncovering the hidden details of your microbiome, ask about the Bristle Health’s salivary testing and how it can benefit you.