Salivary Testing at Gentle Dentistry

What Is A Saliva Test?

A salivary diagnostic, or saliva test, allows us to detect many systemic diseases through saliva. By testing your saliva, our team at Gentle Dentistry in Tampa, Florida, can determine whether the pathogens in your mouth pose a health risk to the rest of your body.

In your mouth alone, there are over 700 known types of bacteria linked to not only cavities, periodontal disease, and bad breath but also to more serious health concerns, including heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Is My Mouth Presenting A Health Risk To The Rest of My Body?

While hundreds of bacteria live and thrive in your mouth, five particular high-risk pathogens impact your oral and whole-body health. What is even scarier is that these same bacterial strains are shown to contribute to up to 50 percent of heart attacks. To determine whether your mouth is putting the rest of your body at risk, our team can perform salivary testing to detect whether dangerous bacteria currently reside in your mouth.

Salivary Testing

The good news is that a salivary test is one of the simplest tests you will ever take. It is completely painless yet will provide invaluable information about your oral health and well-being. We simply take a saliva sample by having you spit into a tube, which we then collect and send to a laboratory. It is then analyzed to identify any harmful bacterial pathogens in your mouth. This testing takes about a week, and your results will be emailed to you. Your results will include a breakdown of the sample you provided and recommended treatment options, uniquely tailored to your mouth and the bacteria within it.

Schedule An Appointment Today!

With salivary testing, we can detect infections at stages so early that they may not even be visible on a visual exam. The lab results will aid in crafting a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce or eliminate harmful pathogens, ultimately lowering the risks to your oral and overall health.

To schedule an appointment with our team, please call us at (813) 734-7102 today.

What to anticipate during an oral cancer screening?

Our team at Gentle Dentistry uses the Sapphire Plus Lesion Detection Scope to look for signs of cancer. This device provides earlier detection than a physical evaluation alone. Any concerning growths or lesions in the mouth that might indicate cancer are biopsied to remove a sample and evaluate it further for cancerous cells. With a proper diagnosis, patients can then discuss their treatment options with their medical providers.

Where to go for oral cancer screenings

Patients in the Tampa, FL, area who are considering an oral cancer screening may be unsure who to visit. The dental team at Gentle Dentistry can help! At our practice, oral cancer screenings are integrated into routine visits and assessments when problems arise. If you live in the community and are considering an oral cancer screening, contact our team today at (813) 734-7102 and visit our facility at 3500 East Fletcher Avenue, Suite #221.

Salivary Testing FAQs

Is saliva testing painful?

No. Saliva testing is entirely painless. There are no needles. No blood draws. You simply provide a saliva sample. It is a quick and stress-free procedure for anyone.

What can be detected in a saliva test?

Saliva contains valuable information about what’s happening inside your mouth and throughout your entire body. This simple test can reveal:

Oral diseases: It can detect pathogens linked to gum disease and cavities.
Systemic illnesses: Saliva contains markers for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and other systemic conditions.
Genetic predispositions: A simple saliva test can help reveal genetic tendencies related to oral health.

Saliva testing is a simple yet powerful tool. It helps us identify potential problems early before they become significant headaches. The results of saliva testing also inform a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

How does saliva testing differ from traditional blood tests?

Yes. Saliva testing is suitable for all ages, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. Its non-invasive nature makes it ideal for patients who may have challenges with blood draws. Specifically, it is invaluable for children, seniors, or individuals with conditions that make venous access challenging. This makes it an excellent option for ongoing monitoring at any stage of life.

Should I prepare before saliva testing?

Preparation is minimal. Your dentist may ask you to avoid eating, drinking, brushing, or chewing gum for at least 30-60 minutes before the test. It’s also essential to avoid smoking as this can affect specific biomarkers. These steps ensure that the sample saliva provided accurately reflects your overall health status.

Does insurance cover saliva testing?

Coverage depends on your insurance plan and the reason for testing. Some plans may cover part of the cost, especially if the test supports diagnosis or treatment planning. Other plans may not. Our team will check the specifics of your coverage so that you can plan accordingly.

Don’t have insurance? Don’t let costs hold you back from achieving your best smile. We accept dental financing through CareCredit, allowing you to break down treatment costs into affordable installments. This option helps you enjoy high-quality dental care without the burden of upfront costs.

How much is saliva testing in Tampa, FL?

The cost of saliva testing varies based on the type of analysis performed. Our office will provide a cost breakdown during consultation. Rest assured, we won’t proceed until you are clear on the cost.

We are upfront about pricing because we understand cost is one of the significant barriers to dental care. Our fee structure is straightforward, so you shouldn’t expect hidden or unexpected expenses.

Does my local dentist in the Tampa area offer oral cancer exams?

Gentle Dentistry offers oral cancer screenings as part of its comprehensive preventive dentistry services. If it’s been a few months since your last screening, call (813) 734-7102 and schedule your appointment today. We welcome patients from Wesley Chapel, Lutz, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Brandon, Riverview, and beyond. Let’s protect your well-being with this small preventive step.