FAQs

1. What is oral health testing?

 

• It’s a diagnostic test that identifies specific microbes in the mouth that may contribute to oral disease. 

• It helps determine the types and levels of bacteria and other organisms present, including those associated with periodontal disease, tooth decay, opportunistic infections, and changes in the oral microbial balance.

• This information gives providers a clearer picture of a patient’s oral health status and infection risk, supporting more informed clinical decisions.

​
 

2. How is the test performed?

 

• A dental professional obtains a sample from the patient with a simple, non-invasive saliva collection. 

• The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, which involves DNA testing to identify the bacterial species.

​
 

3. Why is this test helpful?

 

DNA testing is more accurate than traditional cultures, allowing for targeted treatment and better infection control. It supports early detection, monitoring of progress, and prevention of complications that can harm vital organs or compromise restorative procedures.

​
 

4. Which microbes are included in testing?

 

The panel detects a broad range of organisms associated with periodontal disease, tooth decay, and opportunistic infection, categorized as:

​

• Red Complex – Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola

• Orange Complex – Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Campylobacter rectus, Eubacterium nodatum, Selenomonas noxia

• Green Complex – Capnocytophaga spp., Eikenella corrodens

• Aggressive Species – Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Filifactor alocis

• Caries Associated – Streptococcus mutans

• Opportunistic Species – Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

​
 

5. What are the symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease? 

 

• Red, swollen, or tender gums. 

• Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing. 

• Receding gums (teeth may appear longer). 

• Loose teeth or gaps between teeth. 

• Persistent bad breath. 

6. What comes in my supply kit?

 

Each kit includes:

​

• Saliva collection tubes

• Oral Health requisitions

• Biohazard bags for each specimen

• FedEx clinical bags for return shipping

 

7. How do I package my return kits?

 

• Place each specimen into a biohazard bag with the requisition form.

• Then, place the biohazard bag in a rigid box (optional, but encouraged).

  • It is encouraged to batch specimens and send multiple at once whenever possible.

• Then insert the box or biohazard bag into a FedEx Lab Pack/Clinical Bag.

​
 

8. How do I return my collected specimens?

 

Drop off the FedEx Lab Pack/ Clinical Bag at any FedEx location or arrange a FedEx pickup (if available in your area). It is encouraged to batch specimens and send multiple at once whenever possible.

​

• Packages shipped on Friday will arrive Monday or Tuesday.

• Saturday delivery is not available due to logistics.

9. How long are specimens stable after collection?

 

Specimens are stable for 28 days at ambient temperature.