What is genetic testing of the bacteria in your mouth?
We now live in a day and age where, for under $200, you can test the bacteria in your mouth. You just spit in a cup, we send it to the lab, and they culture the bacteria that are in your mouth. They look for 12 or 13 different bacteria that are either really bad for gum disease or really bad for cavities. If they find any of those bacteria, they culture them and then subject them to different antibiotic therapy tests.
How does the testing help determine antibiotic therapy?
After they've cultured it, they take the bacteria that are in your mouth. Not all bacteria are susceptible to all antibiotics. They culture them, and then they test them against an antibiotic panel. What comes back is a custom prescriptive antibiotic therapy just for you, based on the bacteria that are in your mouth.
Who is this genetic testing good for?
I'm really excited about this. This is great for patients who have struggled with chronic periodontal disease. This is great for people who are constantly getting cavities.
Learn More About Genetic Testing at Dulac Dental of Springfield
We're now in a day and age where the cost has come down so much in genetic testing that we can see what bacteria are in your mouth and what therapy would be best to eliminate them.
In addition to brushing, flossing, and cleaning, and in addition to physically removing them and using the prescription rinse we've been giving people for years, we now can prescriptively give antibiotics exactly for your condition. This is something brand new in 2026, and I'm really excited about it.
If you want to learn more about it, or you've been struggling with something for a while and you'd like to get a consult about this, give us a call at (703) 451-4500 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.