Saliva Testing – Chevy Chase, MD
Superior Diagnostics, Healthier Smiles
It’s amazing what you can do with a little bit of saliva and some advanced diagnostic training! Dr. Yu’s continuing education efforts have enabled her to perform accurate saliva testing right here in Chevy Chase. After collecting your sample and analyzing the bacteria and certain genetic markers, she’ll be able to tell you whether you’re at risk for oral or systemic health conditions. If you’d like a preventive plan that’s 110% tailored to your unique biology, contact our office to schedule your saliva testing today!
Why Choose Avant Dentistry for Saliva Testing?
- Welcoming and Comfortable Office Atmosphere
- Highly Experienced and Knowledgeable Dentist
- Prompt Treatment
What is Saliva Testing?
You know how general doctors can take blood samples in order to test for vitamin deficiencies, hormone levels, and other biomarkers that can contribute to health complications? Saliva testing is similar. By looking at the bacteria and genetic information present in your spit, Dr. Yu can confirm – or rule out – certain conditions that are (or are not) typically associated with what she finds.
What to Expect During Saliva Testing
You can expect your saliva testing appointment to go like this:
- First, we’ll collect a small saliva sample by using a swab or having you spit into a special container.
- It will take some time for our partners at the lab to analyze your salivary information, so we’ll schedule a time for you to return for a follow-up visit.
- Once Dr. Yu has your results, she’ll examine them closely and explain what they reveal about your oral health.
- From there, we can help you build a treatment plan that takes your saliva test findings into consideration.
Benefits of Getting Your Saliva Tested at The Dentist
A visual exam and traditional X-rays can tell us a lot about your current oral health situation but may not necessarily tell us whether you’re predisposed to problems like cavities or gum disease. Here’s how the information Dr. Yu gets from saliva testing can benefit you:
- Risk assessment. The bacteria levels in your saliva can reveal whether your risk for developing cavities or gum disease is high or low.
- Identifying systemic health conditions. Your salivary composition can indicate the presence of conditions like diabetes, HIV, and chronic inflammation.
- Oral cancer screening. If Dr. Yu finds biomarkers associated with oral cancer, we can provide prompt treatment.
- Personalized treatment planning. The more we know about your unique biology, the more precisely we can tailor your preventive treatments to suit your needs and keep you healthy!