Your mouth does more than chew your food and display your smile. It also holds clues to your oral and overall health.
Prevention is one of the pillars of modern dentistry, and one of its most exciting and innovative tools is saliva testing. Unlike x-rays or routine exams, saliva testing allows your dentist to assess your unique oral microbiome, providing a deeper understanding of how bacteria, inflammation, and even your genetic makeup impact your dental and overall health.
A saliva testing dentist doesn’t just clean your teeth; they decode your oral environment to stop problems before they start.
What is Holistic Saliva Testing?
Saliva testing in Lake Oswego involves a quick, non-invasive collection of your saliva to analyze for bacterial levels, pH balance, inflammatory markers, and genetic predispositions. In many ways, saliva testing is a wellness report card for your mouth. Dentists who offer saliva testing often take a holistic approach, connecting oral health to risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation.
The Key Biomarkers: What We Look for in Your Saliva
The test looks for red flags such as high levels of P. gingivalis or T. denticola—bacteria linked to gum disease and systemic conditions. Other markers might include elevated inflammatory proteins or enzyme imbalances. Using this data, your dentist can create a customized care plan that goes far beyond standard brushing and flossing tips.
From Data to Action: Your Personalized Prevention Plan
Once your results are in, your dentist will recommend a customized prevention strategy. It is precision dentistry tailored to your unique biology. This may include probiotic therapies, targeted rinses, nutritional adjustments, or more frequent cleanings.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Saliva Testing?
Saliva testing is ideal for patients with recurring periodontal issues, systemic conditions like diabetes, or those interested in natural, root-cause-focused care. It’s also invaluable for anyone wanting to take a proactive approach to lifelong oral health.
Find the Best Saliva Testing Dentist in Lake Oswego
If you’re in Lake Oswego and want to take your preventive dental care routine beyond simple brushing and harness the power of saliva testing to craft a custom strategy, contact Dr. Larry Bowden and the friendly and knowledgeable Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego team to schedule a consultation!