6100 W. 41st St. Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Uncover Hidden Oral Health Risks with Saliva Testing
Not every oral health concern is visible to the naked eye. Designer Dentistry & Smiles offers saliva testing to patients throughout Sioux Falls, Brandon, Harrisburg, and Tea through our partnership with OralDNA, giving our team the ability to identify risk factors that traditional exams alone may miss. Saliva testing can detect genetic risk for inflammatory disease, HPV strains that predispose patients to oral cancer, and the specific bacteria responsible for gum disease.
By identifying exactly which bacteria are present, our team can tailor treatment more precisely to each patient's individual needs, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach to gum disease treatment.
Schedule a Saliva Testing Consultation
Why Saliva Testing Matters
Understanding the specific risk factors affecting your oral health allows for more targeted, effective care.
- Simple and Effortless - Testing requires nothing more than providing a saliva sample in a vial, with no discomfort involved.
- Fast Results - Most results are returned within about a week, allowing treatment planning to move forward quickly.
- Personalized Treatment Planning - Identifying the specific bacteria present allows our team to tailor gum disease treatment to your individual case.
- Early Risk Detection - Testing can reveal genetic and bacterial risk factors before more serious symptoms develop.
- Confirms Treatment Success - Retesting after treatment helps confirm that harmful bacteria levels have been effectively reduced.
Click Here to View a Sample Saliva Report
Is Saliva Testing Right for You?
Saliva testing is recommended for patients showing signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, swollen, or red and inflamed gums, as well as patients who want a clearer picture of their oral health risk before beginning treatment. It is also a smart step for patients with a family history of gum disease or those who have struggled with recurring periodontal issues in the past. Testing before treatment, followed by retesting a couple of months later, helps confirm that disease has been effectively addressed. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, our team can help determine whether saliva testing is the right next step for you.
How Saliva Testing Works
Saliva testing is designed to be quick and comfortable, fitting easily into a regular office visit.
Providing Your Sample
Testing simply requires spitting into a small vial, a process that takes only a few minutes.
Sending the Sample for Analysis
Your sample is sent to OralDNA for detailed laboratory analysis.
Reviewing Your Results
Once results are returned, typically within about a week, our team reviews the findings with you.
Personalizing Your Treatment Plan
Based on the specific bacteria or risk factors identified, we tailor a treatment approach suited to your individual needs.
Confirming Treatment Success
Retesting a couple of months after treatment helps verify that harmful bacteria levels have been reduced and gum disease is under control.
Why Treating Gum Disease Matters for Your Overall Health
Gum disease that goes undiagnosed and untreated is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, but its impact does not stop there. Research has linked untreated gum disease to a range of broader health concerns, including heart disease, several types of cancer, and pre-term, low birth weight babies. Taking control of gum disease early, with the help of accurate saliva testing, can play an important role in protecting not just your smile, but your overall health.
Concerned About Your Gum Health?
If your gums bleed easily or feel swollen, red, or tender, it may be time to find out what is really going on beneath the surface. Our team can help determine whether saliva testing is the right step for you.
