OralDNA Diagnostic Test Los Angeles, CA
An OralDNA test looks for genetic biomarkers in your saliva to help determine the risk for several oral health issues, which can also determine your risk for additional serious health concerns. Saliva serves many important roles in your mouth, such as breaking down food and aiding digestion. Now, through OralDNA testing, it can also help determine if you are more likely to develop gum disease or other serious illnesses.
A saliva test helps dentists provide the highest level of treatment for their patients. Salivary diagnostics is available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Call us at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment to learn more.
Understanding OralDNA Diagnostic Testing
Many patients do not realize that good oral health is imperative to overall health. Several experts consider the state of one's oral health to indicate the state of general health. This is due to the relationship between oral bacteria and the rest of the body. Most oral bacteria are good, and most harmful bacteria are easily kept at bay by the body's natural defenses and good oral hygiene.
OralDNA diagnostics testing uses saliva to detect various biocomponents, or oral bacteria, and how they may affect a patient's health. More specifically, the MyPerioPath® test can detect multiple oral pathogens that may cause gum disease and pose a risk to oral and systemic health. It can also help dentists determine if a patient has a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and birth complications.
“OralDNA diagnostics testing uses saliva to detect various biocomponents, or oral bacteria, and how they may affect a patient’s health.”
OralDNA and Disease Detection
OralDNA diagnostic testing can detect a variety of diseases, including:
- Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea in the oropharynx
- Herpes simplex virus in the oropharynx, types 1 and 2
- HPV-related oral cancers
- Novel coronavirus
- Yeast infections
It can also assess a patient's risk for periodontal infections, development of cavities, and HPV-related oral cancers. Additionally, OralDNA testing can identify early warning signs of oral pathogens and analyze gene markers concerning inflammatory responses. None of these tests are more complicated than having the patient provide a simple oral rinse collection.
Patients can also choose to undergo Alert 2™, a diagnostic test for both gum disease-causing oral pathogens and inherited genetic risk. Dentists can use these results to create the best treatment plan tailor-made for the patient's unique and individual needs. These results may also assist dentists in identifying any potential related systemic health risks.
“… OralDNA testing can identify early warning signs of oral pathogens and analyze gene markers concerning inflammatory responses.”
How OralDNA Testing Works
OralDNA testing is a quick and painless procedure that requires minimal effort on behalf of the patient. Sample collection requires the patient to swish and gargle a 5mL saline solution vigorously for 30 seconds, then spit it into the funneled collection tube. Our team will then open the preservative vial and pour the sample into the collection tube before preparing it to be sent off to the laboratory.
Like all salivary diagnostic testing, OralDNA diagnostic testing analyzes the secretions from the major and minor salivary glands, oro-nasopharyngeal secretions, gingival crevicular fluid, and cellular debris. Saliva contains all of these, along with antibodies, enzymes, growth factors, hormones, microbes, and their products. Many of these enter saliva through the blood. As such, saliva can be considered a reflection of the body's physiological functionality.
“OralDNA testing is a quick and painless procedure that requires minimal effort on behalf of the patient.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: OralDNA Diagnostic Test in Los Angeles, CA
DNA and Your Future Health
OralDNA tests can tell a dentist whether or not a patient is genetically predisposed toward inflammation. This can help explain why some patients continue to have gum disease even after complying with traditional treatment methods. While a patient's DNA cannot be changed, just knowing that they may have an overactive inflammatory response can help the dentist understand the need for more constant care or other types of therapies.
This information is also helpful when it comes to the patient's overall well-being. Increased inflammation can contribute to an extensive list of chronic systemic diseases related to gum disease, including heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Our dentist will recommend the patient work with their primary care physician to address these potential medical issues.
“OralDNA tests can tell a dentist whether or not a patient is genetically predisposed toward inflammation.”
Questions Answered on This Page
People Also Ask
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Interpreting OralDNA Test Results
MyPerioPath reports have two pages: a bacterial profile and clinical considerations. The bacterial profile consists of patient demographic information, along with a summary of the test results. Positive results indicate that the test has detected bacterial pathogens above the threshold level. The report will also show the patient's bacterial risk, along with a graphic representation of which pathogens are present and whether they meet the pathogen load threshold. At the end of the page, there is a section detailing any clinical significance these pathogens may have on a patient's risk for periodontal disease.
The clinical considerations page will also include the patient's demographic information and a summary and graphic presentation of the test results. However, it will also present various therapeutic options for a patient's unique pathogen profile and any follow-up testing recommendations. The latter half of the page includes a summary of the patient's clinical information at the time of testing and relevant links to additional information at MyOralDNA.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can an OralDNA test help with treating gum disease?
A. Eleven different types of bacteria in the mouth can cause gum disease. An OralDNA test helps identify which strain of bacteria is causing your problems. A treatment designed to target that bacteria can then be administered.
Q. How is an OralDNA test done?
A. A dental saliva test is quite easy and painless. The patient will swish a saline solution around the mouth and then spit it into a tube. That tube is then sent to the lab for processing. Results and recommended treatments are then sent back to our office.
Q. Can a dental saliva test impact my overall health?
A. The OralDNA test can tell our dentist if you either have or are at higher risk for gum disease and other types of oral bacteria. That means treatment can start sooner. Leaving these conditions untreated can put you at higher risk for other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Q. Why should my saliva be tested for HPV?
A. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common virus groups. Specific types of oral HPV can increase your risk for certain oral cancers. A saliva test can show whether or not these strains are present and if you should increase the frequency of your oral cancer screenings.
Q. What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
A. A dentist looks inside your mouth for possible signs of oral cancer, including red or white patches or sores. While wearing gloves, the dentist will feel inside your mouth for lumps. The dentist may also check your neck for abnormalities. The exam is usually short and takes about 5 minutes.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Dental saliva tests can help many patients better understand themselves and their needs. We at Vatan Dental Group may be able to help. Call us today at 310-906-1300 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Vatan Dental Group was established in 2012.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Los Angeles, Inglewood, Westchester, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Culver City, Fox Hills, Hawthorne, El Segundo and Santa Monica
- CA (License #49259). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1740278662). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Back to top of OralDNA Diagnostic Test