A simple saliva test that tells us exactly which bacteria are putting your gums and your health at risk.
Knowing Exactly What We Are Treating
Why we test in the first place
Gum disease is caused by specific kinds of bacteria and not all of them respond to the same treatment. MyPerioPath is a salivary test that identifies which bacteria are living in your mouth and at what levels. Instead of guessing, we get a clear picture of what we are treating, which means the treatment plan can actually target the problem.
What the test is like
You provide a saliva sample at the appointment no blood, no needles, no scraping. The sample is sent to a specialty lab for analysis. When we get the results, we explain what each finding means and what it changes about your treatment.
How it changes treatment
For some patients, the test confirms that a deep cleaning with the laser is exactly what is needed. For others, it points to specific antibiotics or rinses that target the bacteria identified. It can also explain why a previous gum treatment elsewhere did not hold the bacteria came back because they were never directly addressed. In some cases, it can also identify other health issues you may be experiencing.
What is MyPerioPath?
MyPerioPath is a salivary diagnostic test that identifies the types and quantities of bacteria associated with gum disease. At Tatum Dentistry, we use it to understand exactly what is causing the problem in your mouth so we can target treatment specifically. The test uses a simple saliva sample — no blood, no needles, no discomfort.
Does the test hurt?
Not at all. You provide a saliva sample at the appointment about a teaspoon’s worth, collected from your mouth. There is no needle, no scraping, and nothing uncomfortable. The whole sample-collection process takes a few minutes. The hardest part is waiting a week or two for the results to come back from the lab.
How long until I get results?
Typically about one to two weeks after the sample is sent to the lab. When the results come in, we schedule a brief follow-up to walk through your results. You will see exactly which bacteria are present, at what levels, and what that means for your treatment going forward.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t bacterial testing standard at every dental office?
It is becoming more common, especially in practices that emphasize the connection between oral health and the rest of the body. Not every office is set up for it, and some are still treating gum disease the same way they did decades ago. We choose to test because the information genuinely changes outcomes.
Can the test detect anything besides gum bacteria?
MyPerioPath specifically identifies the bacteria most associated with gum disease and inflammation. Some of these bacteria have also been linked in research to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions. Knowing what is in your mouth gives you and your physician useful information.
Will I need this test more than once?
Often yes — once to establish a baseline, and again after treatment to confirm that the bacteria levels have come down. For patients with persistent gum issues, retesting periodically helps us catch problems early instead of waiting for symptoms.
Is this just for severe gum disease?
No. Patients with mild gum issues, persistent bad breath, family history of gum disease, or systemic conditions like diabetes can all benefit from knowing what bacteria are at work. We will tell you honestly whether the test is likely to change your care.
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