You probably take saliva for granted, but it plays many important roles. Saliva aids in breathing, swallowing, and digestion, and it provides a layer of protection between teeth and harmful bacteria. This watery secretion is also an important factor in determining risk of periodontal disease. With Oral DNA salivary diagnostics, Bloomington, IL dentists, Dr. Mike and Dr. Marisa Milligan, help patients maintain better oral health and overall wellness.

What is saliva testing?

It is a quick, painless test that gathers samples of your unique DNA from mouth surfaces. Typically, a saline rinse is used to collect specimens from gingival spaces. Samples are sealed and sent to a lab for evaluation. You and the dentist review an easy to understand analysis that details specific bacteria in your mouth responsible for early stage gum disease (gingivitis) and advanced periodontal disease. DNA testing also provides genetic information that helps determine your inherited predisposition to gum disease. Chairside testing can detect other oral diseases and systemic disorders, as well.

Benefits of Oral DNA salivary diagnostics

  • Takes only about a minute to perform.
  • No needles.
  • Detects oral pathogens directly related to gum disease, and thus linked to increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and birth complications.
  • Reveals gene markers associated with oral and systemic inflammation.
  • Determines if you are at elevated risk of HPV-related oral cancers.
  • Helps your dentist design the most effective gum disease treatment plan, customized to your physiology.

According to the CDC, half of American adults have gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. Early detection and accurate identification of specific oral bacteria allows our dentists to help you keep your teeth healthy and thus have a healthier body.

Gum disease affects so much more than your smile. Please contact us at Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL at (309) 663-4711 to schedule Oral DNA salivary diagnostics.

Eastland Dental Center

Eastland Dental Center is owned and operated by the father-daughter duo, Dr. Mike Milligan and Dr. Marisa Milligan.

Dr. Mike completed his doctor of dental medicine degree from Southern Illinois University in 1978. Dr. Marisa completed her doctor of dental medicine degree from Midwestern University in 2015. Both doctors have logged hundreds of hours of continuing education to stay on top of the latest technologies in dentistry as well as the most current research on the oral-systemic, mouth-body connection to benefit their patients. Dr. Mike and Dr. Marisa are active members and in excellent standing with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, McLean County Dental Association, American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, and numerous other societies.

Both doctors are avid golfers and have won several national golf tournaments over the years. They are the only father-daughter team in the state to have won the Illinois State Amateur Golf Championship. Dr. Mike in 1974 and Dr. Marisa in 2005.