OralDNA® Labs

At our office, we use clinical laboratory services from OralDNA Labs to ensure we are giving our patients the best oral health information possible. OralDNA Labs is a specialty diagnostics company designed to provide reliable, definitive, and cost-effective clinical tests that guide oral health professionals in detecting and diagnosing disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Why Test with OralDNA?

• Detect Hidden Oral Pathogens: Our tests can identify concealed oral pathogens that pose a threat to both your oral and systemic health. These common pathogens not only directly cause gum disease but may also increase the risk of serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and birth complications.
• Assess Genetic Inflammation Markers: Find out if you carry gene markers associated with increased inflammation, a critical factor in the severity of periodontitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Personalized Treatment: If you already have periodontal disease, our tests can help your dentist select the most effective treatment plan. Subsequently, we can measure treatment results with a follow-up test.
• Oral Cancer Risk Assessment: Discover if you have high-risk types of HPV associated with oral cancer.

How does oral bacteria relate to overall health?

OralDNA Labs offers testing for the profile of oral bacteria responsible for periodontal disease, which can have far-reaching implications for your overall health. These bacteria, especially when present at high levels and in combination with an individual's genetic inflammatory response, can lead to issues like bad breath, painful and bleeding gums, loss of bone, and tooth loss. Additionally, the presence of specific oral bacteria can significantly increase the risk for a wide range of life- threatening diseases beyond the mouth:

• Diabetes: Some studies have suggested a potential link between oral bacteria and insulin resistance. Chronic inflammation from oral infections may interfere with insulin signaling pathways in the body, making cells less responsive to insulin. This can result in higher blood sugar levels, which is a hallmark of diabetes.
• Pregnancy Complications: Oral infections, such as gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), can cause chronic inflammation in the mouth. This inflammation can release inflammatory mediators into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the developing fetus and increasing the risk of complications like preterm birth and low birth weight.
• Heart Disease: Poor oral hygiene and oral infections can result in bacteremia, which is the presence of oral bacteria in the bloodstream. These bacteria can potentially travel to the heart and contribute to the development of infective endocarditis, a serious heart infection.
• Strokes: The inflammatory molecules released during gum disease can contribute to systemic inflammation throughout the body. Systemic inflammation is a risk factor for various cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), which is a precursor to stroke.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systemic inflammation, which can be worsened by oral bacteria, can affect joints throughout the body, including the synovium (the lining of the membranes that surround the joints). Inflammation of the synovium is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking dental care is essential not only for oral health but also for overall well-being, including the potential reduction of unhealthy oral bacteria. With OralDNA, we can help diagnose any existing bacterial issues and treat them, not only for your oral health, but your overall health as well.