OralDNA® Labs Saliva Testing: What You Need To Know
Costello Family Dentistry has partnered with OralDNA® Labs to provide saliva testing services that can determine risk factors for a multitude of diseases and conditions including periodontitis, cavities and more! Read on to learn more about our testing services.
What is OralDNA® Labs?
OralDNA® Labs is a world leader in salivary diagnostic testing. They are on the cutting edge of oral diagnostics and provide testing for risk factors for oral issues through a simple rinse collection. Through these tests, our dentists are able to gain a clearer picture of a patient’s overall health and recommend treatments and a course of action to help prevent them from developing health issues in the future. This proactive approach allows Costello Family Dentistry to get ahead of dental problems before they occur and provide patients with the highest quality of preventative dental care that promote overall health.
Tests By OralDNA® Labs
OralDNA® Labs currently offers twelve different tests that can detect risk factors for, or the presence of:
- Periodontal Infections
- Cavities
- Oral Cancer
- Yeast Infections
- Herpes, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea
- SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus)
- SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies
In addition, they also offer a test to evaluate gene markers that relate to inflammatory response which is very helpful to determine how patients will respond to infections.
Periodontal Tests
OralDNA® Labs currently offers four different tests to determine genetic risk factors of periodontal infections and the presence of bacteria which can cause them.
MyPerioPath®
MyPerioPath® is used to detect the presence of eleven oral pathogens and can help determine if a patient is at increased risk of periodontitis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and birth complications. By identifying the presence of oral pathogens and risk factors, our dentists are able to create a personalized treatment plan to address these issues. With regular testing, we are able to track a patient’s progress over the course of their treatment plan and make adjustments as needed.
MyPerioID® IL-6
The MyPerioID® IL-6 (Interleukin-6) test identifies a patient’s genetic susceptibility to gum disease. By determining if a patient is at an increased risk of periodontal infections, we are able to personalize and adjust our treatments to focus more of our attention on the health of the patient’s gums, ensuring that they are receiving the care that they need.
MyPerioID® IL-1
The MyPerioID® IL-1 (Interleukin-1) test is a variation of the IL-6 test that uses a different strand of DNA than the IL-6 test to identify a patient’s genetic susceptibility to gum disease. This test also allows our dentists to identify key risk factors and personalize treatments to maintain healthy gums that are free from periodontitis.
Alert 2 ™
The Alert 2 ™ test brings together the MyPerioPath® and the MyPerioID® tests to create a complete picture of a patient’s risks for periodontal disease and associated systemic health issues. This test is highly recommended for a first test as it will allow our dentists to see which oral pathogens are present in the patient’s mouth and personalize a treatment plan right away, as well as determine the patient’s risk of periodontal infection and systemic health issues.
Oral Disease Tests
OralDNA® Labs currently offers four tests to identify the presence of a range of viruses that cause disease.
OraRisk® HPV
The OraRisk® HPV test identifies a total of 51 types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can be found in the mouth. By identifying which types of HPV are present in a patient’s mouth, our dentists are able to determine a patient’s level of risk for developing oral cancer. By sharing this information with the patient’s general practitioner, we are able to work together to manage this risk and keep a patient’s chances of developing oral cancer to a minimum.
OraRisk® HSV
The OraRisk® HSV test is used to identify the Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 that is active in the oropharynx. This test is best used when a patient presents with oral vesicles, ulcers or other types of oral and pharyngeal lesions. By identifying the Herpes Virus, we are able to work with a patient’s general practitioner to provide treatment for the symptoms that a patient is experiencing and personalize our dental treatment plans to maintain oral health.
OraRisk® CT/NG
The OraRisk® CT/NG test is used to identify Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria Gonorrhea (NG) in the oropharynx. These tests are important to have done regularly as patients may have one of these viruses in their system even if they are asymptomatic or symptoms may be very mild. Leaving these viruses unchecked can lead to worsening symptoms and making these viruses more transmissible to intimate partners. By identifying these viruses, we are able to work with patient’s general practitioners to provide the correct treatment.
OraRisk® COVID-19 RT-PCR
The OraRisk® COVID-19 RT-PCR is used to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. This test takes an oral rinse sample and looks for viral RNA. If viral RNA is found, then it is extracted and then polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify the genetic sequence that is specific to SARS-CoV-2. The results can come back as “Detected” which is a positive test, “Not Detected” which is a negative test, or “Inconclusive” which means the sample has degraded or there isn’t enough material to perform the test.
Other Tests
The remaining four tests help to identify unique health factors in patients that can help us personalize our treatments.
OraRisk® Caries
The OraRisk® Caries test is a screening test which identifies three types of bacteria that are known to cause cavities: Streptococcus Mutans, Streptococcus Sobrinus, and Lactobacillus Casei. By identifying the presence of bacteria, and the level at which they are present, we can determine the degree to which a patient is at risk of developing cavities and customize our treatment plans accordingly.
Celsus One™
The Celsus One™ test helps us to understand how a patient’s genetics impact their health. It evaluates eight gene markers that relate to inflammatory response:
- Interleukin-1
- Interleukin-6
- Interleukin-17-A
- Beta-Defensin-1
- CD14
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha
- Toll-Like Receptor 4 Composite Genotype
- Matrix Metalloproteinase-3
By analyzing each of these gene markers, we can determine risk levels for severe inflammation in the presence of various types of infections.
OraRisk® Candida
The OraRisk® Candida test identifies all of the common species of Candida, a type of yeast which is known to cause oral thrush in both healthy and immunocompromised patients. Some types of Candida are resistant to antifungal treatments so identifying which types are present is crucial to providing the correct treatment for patients.
immun19™
The immun19™ test is a semi-quantitative detection test for the neutralizing antibodies that protect patients against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test measures the levels of the three main antibodies which neutralize the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This test can be taken by anyone who has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, has had a confirmed infection and recovered, or has had a suspected infection and want to know if they harbour any antibodies.
Get a Complete Picture of Oral & Overall Health
With the many tests available from OralDNA® Labs, our team at Costello Family Dentistry is able to provide a complete picture of your oral health, and risk factors that could impact your overall health in the future. With this information we are able to personalize our treatments much better, and work with your general practitioner when needed to take care of your overall health. If you would like to take more control over your health, then contact us today for an appointment and get OralDNA® tested!
