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Oral DNA / Salivary Testing · Alexandria, VA
So much of your oral health lives below the surface, in the bacteria a regular exam simply cannot see. With a simple saliva test, Dr. Park can learn which bacteria are actually present, so your care is built around your biology rather than guesswork.
What It Is
Picture your mouth as a garden. A quick glance tells you whether things look healthy, but it cannot tell you what is actually growing in the soil. Oral DNA testing lets us look at the soil.
It is a simple, non-invasive saliva test that reads the DNA of the bacteria living in your mouth. Instead of guessing which microbes are behind gum inflammation, we can identify the specific ones that are present, sometimes before any symptoms appear.
For a practice like ours that cares about root causes, this is a meaningful step. It helps us understand the why behind what we are seeing, so your care can be truly personal.
Explore our biological approach →
Simple & Comfortable
There are no needles and no scraping. For most patients, the whole collection takes just a few minutes during a regular visit.
You provide a small saliva sample with a gentle rinse or swish in our office. That is the entire collection, quick and completely comfortable.
Your sample is sent to a specialized lab that uses DNA technology to identify the specific bacteria present, and at what levels.
Within a few days, Dr. Park reviews the results with you and tailors a plan to what your test actually shows.
What It Reveals
A single sample can reveal a surprising amount about your oral health and how to support it:
The specific bacteria present. The test is designed to identify the type and level of bacteria associated with gum disease, so treatment can target what is actually there.
Your inherited risk. Certain genetic markers analyzed by the test may indicate an increased inherited tendency toward gum inflammation, which helps us know how proactive to be.
A baseline to track. Repeating the test over time may help us see how your mouth is responding to care and adjust your plan as you progress.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Your mouth is the front door to the rest of your body. The same bacteria and inflammation involved in gum disease have been associated in research with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and complications in pregnancy.
That connection is exactly why we pay such close attention here. Understanding the bacteria in your mouth is not only about protecting your teeth and gums. It is one thoughtful way to care for your whole health.
Knowing what is present also lets us be more precise and more conservative, targeting specific bacteria and, when appropriate, leaning less on broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Talk with Dr. Park about testing →
Is It Right for You?
• Have a history of gum disease or recurring gum infections
• Notice bleeding gums or persistent bad breath
• Have a family history of periodontal disease or tooth loss
• Are managing a health condition linked to inflammation
• Are planning for dental implants and want a healthy baseline
• Simply want a more personalized, proactive approach to your care
If any of these sound like you, oral DNA testing may be a helpful part of your comprehensive new patient exam. Dr. Park will talk through whether it makes sense for your goals.
Schedule your new patient exam →
Take the Next Step
Oral DNA testing is one of the thoughtful tools we may use during a comprehensive new patient exam. We will get to know your whole health story, look closely at what is going on, and build a plan designed around you.
(703) 549-17251643 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Mon & Fri 8:00–3:00 · Tue, Wed, Thu 7:00–5:00
"Dr. Park and her staff are very competent and professional. They also do the oral microbiome testing, which is taking dentistry to a new level. They use safe dental materials and there is a big focus on prevention, which I love."
— Anca S.Share a few details and we will reach out to help you schedule.
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1643 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 · Steps from King Street Metro