Dentulu

How It Works

saliva testing kit

Collection Kit Shipped Free To Your Home

Swish for 30 seconds and send back your saliva sample in a pre-paid envelope.

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We'll email you your results & custom recommendations

See your risk factors and a list of dangerous pathogens and how to address them.

Provide a simple saliva test

Talk to a professional

Consult with our oral health experts to get treatment options and answer any of your questions.

Receive risk factors and recommendations

Improve your oral & overall health

Address problems early and focus on prevention with customized treatment plans and recommendations.

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The Impact of Oral Bacteria on Your Health

Understanding the impact of oral bacteria on your health is crucial. Using a saliva test for bacteria in the mouth, such as Dentulu's OralDNA saliva testing kit, helps identify harmful bacteria easily and non-invasively. This method provides comprehensive insights into your oral health, making it essential for overall well-being. For those concerned about gum health, saliva testing for periodontal disease offers valuable information to prevent and manage conditions. These saliva test kits are effective tools for maintaining a healthy mouth and body.

Oral bacteria and their impact on your health

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Meet a few of the bad guys

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
The Criminal: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Also Known As: Saliva Testing A. actinomycetemcomitans

The Crime: This bacteria is the primary cause of rapid alveolar bone loss in and is one of the main contributing factors to severe periodontitis and the failure of dental implants. Research studies have demonstrated that this bacteria is associated with Dementia/Alzheimer’s, Brain Abscesses, Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular Disease, Ischemic Stroke, Immune Dysfunctions, Heart Infections, and Diabetes.

Saliva Testing
The Criminal: Porphyromonas gingivalis

Also Known As: Saliva Testing P. gingivalis

The Crime: One of the most dangerous of oral bacteria causing bone loss of the teeth and jaw, periodontal disease and contributing to implant failure. Recent research shows a relationship with Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Research also shows this microbe is associated with Esophageal Cancer, Breast Cancer, Pancreatic Tumors, Heart Attack, Ischemic Stroke, Type Two Diabetes, Atherosclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases.

Treponema denticola
The Criminal: Treponema denticola

Also Known As: Saliva Testing T. denticola

The Crime: The main cause of periodontitis and dental implant failure. Research has also revealed a connection between this bacteria and Dementia/Alzheimer's Disease. It is also associated with Cardiovascular Disease, Esophageal Cancers, Arterial Plaque, Joint Replacement failures and Premature birth in T. Denticola

Oral Treponema denticola Infection Induces Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 Accumulation in the Hippocampus of C57BL/6 Mice - PubMed (nih.gov)

Tannerella forsythia
The Criminal: Tannerella forsythia

Also Known As: Saliva Testing T. forsythia

The Crime: Primary cause of periodontitis, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, acute pericoronitis and also a leading cause of dental implant failure. Associated with Dementia/Alzheimer's, Heart Disease, Arterial Plaque, Pregnancy Complications, Cancer, Diabetes, Aneurysm & Stroke.

Fusobacterium nucleatum
The Criminal: Fusobacterium nucleatum

Also Known As: Saliva Testing F. nucleatum

The Crime: Associated with oral gum disease and periodontal disease and contributes to dental implant failure. Systemically it alters the immune system’s response and is associated with pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight babies, and fetal death. Assists the leakage of other oral pathogens into the circulatory system increasing risk for Heart Disease, Dementia/Alzheimer's, Cancer, Colonic Tumors, Cancer Metastasis, Arthritis, and inflammation of the arterial walls.

Human Papillomavirus
The Criminal: Human Papillomavirus

Also Known As: Saliva Testing HPV

The Crime: HPV of the oropharyngeal tract associated with development of cancers such as those involving the oral mucosa, the tonsils, the base of tongue, and throat. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection. Long-lasting infections with high-risk HPVs can cause cancer in parts of the body where HPV infects cells, such as in the cervix, oropharynx, back third of the tongue, the soft palate, the side and back walls of the throat, tonsils, anus, penis, vagina, and vulva. 65% of oral cancers are linked to HPV.

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Oral-Systemic connection salivary testing kits

Saliva Testing

MyPerioPath

Early testing and warning of high risk bacterial pathogens linked to serious chronic conditions.

  • Identification:

    Identifies dangerous Red Complex Pathogens such as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, Treponema denticola. It also identifies Orange Complex Pathogens such as Eubacterium nodatum, Prevotella intermedia, Peptostreptococcus micros, Fusobacterium nucleatum/periodontium, and Campylobacter rectus.

  • Systemic:

    Direct and indirect connections to Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Heart Attack, Stroke, Diabetes, Metabolic health Diabetes, Cancer, Rheumatoid arthritis, heart and vascular disease and Brain Abscesses.

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Specialists Expert Opinions

Alert 2

MyPerioID delivers personalized and customized genetic testing for individual risk factors and predisposing factors that every person should know about. It also identifies and provides early warning of oral pathogens and establishes inherited genetic risk based on each person's genes.

  • Identification:

    The MyPerioID test determines the nucleotide sequence at one region of the Interleukin 6 gene, a key marker of a person's immune system and inflammation response. This test result can identify specific genotypes and categorize them and their risk levels for periodontal inflammation.

  • Impact:

    Patients and their dentists are able to personalize therapy and treatment that is customized for each individual as well as identify potential related systemic health risks. Certain genotypes and genetic predispositions may imply a greater lifetime risk of chronic periodontitis, and other conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and some cancers.

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Saliva Testing

OraRisk HPV

Early testing and warning determination of risks of HPV related oral cancers.

  • Identification:

    OraRisk® HPV enables the clinician to establish increased risk for oral cancer and determine appropriate referral and monitoring conditions. OraRisk® HPV identifies a total of 51 types of oral HPV.

    • High Risk Genotypes: 16, 18, 26, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 82
    • Low Risk Genotypes: 2a, 6, 11, 32, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 55, 57, 61, 62, 71, 72, 74, 77, 81, 83, 84, 89
    • Unknown Risk Genotypes: 41, 49, 60, 75, 76, 80, 85
  • Impact:

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common virus groups in the world (and is a manifestation of the HPV virus in the mouth, and is primarily found in the oropharyngeal complex). Specific types of oral HPV are now considered to be separate and serious risk factors for developing oral cancers. Early detection and identification of the presence or absence of oral HPV is important, as early oral HPV infections do not typically cause any clinical signs or symptoms.

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Saliva Testing

OraRisk Caries

Early testing and warning of high risk bacterial pathogens linked to cavities and dental decay.

  • Identification:

    OraRisk® Caries is a simple oral rinse screening test that identifies 3 types of harmful bacteria known to cause cavities: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus & Lactobacillus casei.

  • Impact:

    Did you know that 90 percent of US adults have had a cavity and 1 in 4 have untreated cavities? S. mutans/ S. sobrinus and L. casei in plaque convert dietary sugar into acid. This acid erodes the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel, dentin and cementum). HIGH RISK results are based on the quantity of these bacteria present in your salivary sample. Efforts to reduce the level of these bacteria will lower the risk of future dental caries. Dentulu offers treatment to reduce these bacteria and reverse cavities!

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Salivary Testing

OraRisk Candida

Identifies fungal infections in the mouth caused by a species of yeast called Candida.

  • Identification:

    Candida species identification is critical in providing the right treatment of choice because certain types of Candida are resistant to standard antifungal treatments. Candida species identified by this assay include: C.albicans, C.glabrata, C.krusei, C.parapsilosis, C.tropicalis, C.rugosa, C.guilliermondii/C.zeylanoides, C.kefyr, C.lusitaniae.

  • Systemic Link:

    Left untreated, thrush can spread to the digestive tract and intestines making it difficult to receive adequate nutrition. In immunocompromised individuals, thrush is more likely to spread to the lungs, liver and heart valves.

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Regular salivary testing is a critical and efficient tool to check your oral microbiome

Saliva Testing

Early detection of oral health issues

Salivary testing allows for early detection of potential oral health issues, such as bacterial infections or imbalances in the oral microbiome, before they progress into more serious problems. Early detection enables prompt intervention and treatment, preventing further complications.

Saliva Testing

Personalized treatment plans

Salivary testing provides valuable information about the specific composition of an individual's oral microbiome, allowing for personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique oral health needs. This targeted approach can lead to more effective treatment outcomes.

Saliva Testing

Monitoring treatment efficacy

Salivary testing can be used to monitor the efficacy of ongoing treatments for oral health issues. Regular testing can help track changes in the oral microbiome and assess the success of treatment interventions, allowing for adjustments as needed.

Saliva Testing

Prevention of systemic health issues

Emerging research suggests that imbalances in the oral microbiome can have systemic health implications, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Regular saliva testing can help identify and address these imbalances, potentially preventing systemic health issues.

Saliva Testing

Patient education

Salivary testing provides an opportunity for patient education, as it allows individuals to understand the composition of their oral microbiome and potential implications for their oral and systemic health. This can empower patients to take proactive measures to maintain good oral health and overall well-being.

Saliva Testing

Our salivary testing is recommended by the leading dental experts and gum specialists

FAQs

Dentulu has partnered with Oral DNA labs, the world leader in salivary diagnostics, to provide Salivary Testing across the United States from the comfort of your home. Dentulu providers will prescribe your salivary testing kits from OralDNA which will arrive directly to your home. Once the saliva sample is collected and returned to OralDNA, both you and your Dentulu provider will receive the results securely on your Dentulu patient portal. You may opt to review your results and receive customized recommendations based on your findings.

Dentulu provides some of Oral DNA’s most popular tests that help identify oral pathogens that threaten your oral and systemic health. Common pathogens include those that contribute gum disease, cavities, and those that increase the risk of Dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and even birth complications. We also offer specific tests for fungal infections such as Candida in addition to specific tests for cavities and even pre-dispositions to gum disease.

Dentulu Salivary Testing program uses an oral rinse method for collecting your sample. Your kit will arrive with all the materials needed to collect your sample and includes pre-paid packaging to return your sample. To provide a good sample, it is recommended to take your test first thing in the morning when you wake up. Alternatively, you can wait at least 1 hour after eating, drinking or smoking and follow these simple steps:

  1. VIGOROUSLY SWISH & GARGLE ALL 5 mL of saline solution (included) for AT LEAST 30 SECONDS,
  2. SPIT saline into funneled collection tube and POUR preservative (included in blue cap) into collection tube
  3. DISCARD funnel (included) in the trash and SEAL collection tube with red cap.
  4. WRITE “Patient Name” & “DOB” on barcode label; ATTACH lengthwise onto collection tube
  5. PACK box with bagged collection tube; REMOVE adhesive liner; CLOSE & SEAL box and mail.

EVERYTHING you will need is included inside your kit including a pre-paid envelope for shipping back to the laboratory.

The saliva sample is shipped to our service partner, Oral DNA's, laboratory. Once there, it will be tested for a variety of conditions using the latest technology. The methodology used for our salivary testing is highly sensitive and can identify the presence of each pathogen and the quantity of these pathogens within the saliva sample.

Results are typically returned within 7 days of the date your sample is received. Your results will be sent to you directly. You can review your results with a licensed Dentist on Dentulu or print them to share with your regular dentist.

We highly encourage you to review your salivary testing results with your existing dentist and medical doctor. Dentulu provides nationwide access to licensed dentists in your state who are available to review your results with you in the comfort of your home and make recommendations on treatment options. We are able to provide prescriptions directly to your pharmacy, and if necessary, provide free referrals to local dentists who can provide you with the necessary dental treatments you may need based on your specific problems. You can also print and download your results to review with your own dentist.

We highly encourage you to test yourself and as many family and friends as possible. The oral microbiome is an integral and critical component of your overall health and pathogens in the mouth can have a direct and indirect impact on your overall health. It is highly recommended to take a test at least once a year.

We highly encourage our patients to get tested at least 2 times a year. After the initial test is completed, we will offer you suggestions and recommendations on how to address your specific problems. We encourage you to then retest after treatment to assess the results of treatment and see the benefits. There is no harm caused in testing more frequently since this test is non-invasive and simply requires a saliva sample.

Dentulu’s salivary testing is out of network with most insurances and is a fee for service diagnostic test. You can provide your receipt to your insurance company to check for reimbursement. Once you have received your customized report, your dental visits and treatment may be covered by your dental insurance but will vary depending on your specific insurance coverage. Many of Dentulu’s services are covered out of network through your dental and medical insurance and we recommend you provide your insurance company with your statement for reimbursement.

Most HSA and FSA include coverage for saliva testing, please check with your plan’s administrator for your specific coverage.

Dentulu’s treatment recommendations are customized for each patient based on the specific findings in your test. Treatment recommendations may range from antibiotics, certain mouthwashes, oral probiotics, laser dental treatment, and even periodontal trays from partners like Perio-Protect which help provide ongoing defense against certain dangerous bacteria.

Dentulu’s salivary testing provides a risk assessment based on bacteria associated with chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and many other chronic conditions. While there are other types of salivary tests on the market that may be utilized for diagnosis of these conditions, the types of tests offered through Oral DNA and Dentulu simply provide an assessment of the presence and quantity of the pathogens in the saliva that help contribute to chronic health conditions.

Dentulu Dentists are available to review the results of your salivary diagnostics from almost any device that connects to the internet. Instead of physically traveling to a local dental office, Dentulu dentists provide convenient and affordable consultations directly through Telemedicine. You can schedule a consultation via your cell phone, computer, tablet, and even some smart televisions. Should an in-person visit be necessary, Dentulu will refer you to a local dental office for consultation and treatment.

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