Bacterial imbalances which start in the mouth don’t just stay in the mouth!
Our mouths have their own ecosystems made up of various habitats including the teeth, gums, tongue and tonsils which are all inhabited by bacteria, fungi and viruses. Research has shown that there are approximately 600 species in our oral cavity and the composition varies with age.
The majority of oral microbiota species exist within a complex multi-species structure termed the oral biofilm, or what we generally know as dental plaque. With regular oral hygiene this community of bacteria can be very stable.
The development of these oral biofilms is initiated by adherence of pioneer species to salivary proteins adsorbed onto tooth enamel. In healthy individuals, the oral biofilm is dominated by beneficial bacteria that maintain this balance or homeostasis through delicate interactions with host immunity and other microorganisms.
However, infection, injury, dietary changes and risk factors such as smoking can disrupt the balance of these species, resulting in a disturbance or dysbiosis and an overgrowth of potentially harmful pathogenic bacteria. This can grow and contribute to pathologies such as dental caries or periodontitis, and other more systemic conditions of disease.
Bacterial imbalances which start in the mouth don’t just stay in the mouth. Research has shown associations between periodontitis, dental caries, oral dysbiosis and conditions which include:
The profile assesses:
Specifically looking at:
This profile requires a saliva sample.
It is not recommended that you change any prescribed or regular medications or supplements without seeking advice from a suitably qualified medical professional.
Some medications or supplements are known to have an impact on the test results. If agreed with your healthcare professional, please follow the guidelines below.
14 days prior to collecting your sample:
• Complete any courses of short term medications such as antibiotics or antifungals
7 days prior to collecting sample:
24 hours prior to collecting sample:
• Abstain from participation in oral sex
• Abstain from antimicrobial mouthwashes
Day of collection:
• If wearing dental prothesis, do not apply fixing cream before collecting the sample.
• 30 minutes prior to collecting the sample do not: smoke, drink, eat, chew gum or brush teeth.
Note:
• Longterm antibiotics and probiotics can be continued, but usage should be disclosed to your practitioner so they are able to interpret the results with that in mind
• Do not collect test samples if you have, or suspect you have, COVID-19. Please wait 7 days after symptoms subside before collecting your sample.
This test is suitable for all ages.
Your sample needs to arrive at the laboratory between Monday to Friday, and should be shipped within 24 hours of collection, so please plan to take your sample accordingly.
You must return your sample in the box that your test kit was sent in. This is a legal requirement and your sample may be rejected if this step is not followed.
UK:
Take the unpaid addressed mailing bag to the post office and send “Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm” on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday only.
EU and outside of the EU:
We can arrange a courier collection, or you can arrange your own if preferred please contact us – [email protected] to discuss your requirements.
20 working days.
We will email your results to you.
All sample reports are for representational and educational purposes only. Biomarkers, references ranges, results, and all other data may differ from actual reports. All data included in no way represents an actual patient. Any comparisons of results to actual patients is completely incidental.
Updated April 2020
