Protect Your Smile With Salivary Testing

At Arlington Dental Professionals, we know that oral health is closely connected to overall well-being and that harmful oral bacteria don’t just affect a person’s teeth and gums—they can also lead to serious systemic health problems.

Because bacteria that cause periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, they can contribute to inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation has been linked to several serious conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis. For patients with one or more of these conditions, understanding the role oral bacteria play in oral and overall health is crucial for long-term well-being.

How Salivary Testing Helps
Salivary testing is a non-invasive way to identify harmful oral pathogens and even genetic markers linked to increased inflammation. With this information, our team can better understand your individual risk factors – and create a personalized treatment plan to help.

If periodontal disease is already present, salivary testing helps us determine the most effective treatment to target harmful bacteria. Moreover, once treatment is underway, follow-up testing measures the effectiveness of treatment, helping to ensure that harmful bacteria levels are reduced and inflammation is under control.

Salivary Testing Steps

• Collection: Our team will take a tiny sample of your saliva using a swab or having you spit into a sterile container.
• Analysis: The sample is received for analysis at a specialized laboratory, which tests it for genetic markers, bacteria, and other indicators.
• Examine Findings: Once we receive the test results, we will discuss them and thoroughly explain their implications for your general and oral health.
• Treatment Plan Development: Based on the results of your test, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to address your unique oral health needs.

By identifying risks early and tailoring treatments to your specific needs, salivary testing helps protect your oral and overall health. Ask us about salivary testing during your next visit!