When most people think about saliva, they don’t immediately consider it a roadmap to better health. But with the groundbreaking Salient Bio Oral Microbiome Test by Regenerus Labs, that’s exactly what it becomes. This next-generation saliva testing technology isn’t just about oral hygiene, it’s a vital tool in understanding how the health of your mouth affects your entire body.
What Is the Salient Bio Oral Microbiome Test?
Unlike traditional oral tests that only screen for a few known microbes, this test uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing to identify all the microorganisms in your saliva, bacteria, fungi, and archaea, even down to the species level.
Key features include:
- 25 oral pathogens associated with gum disease, inflammation, and systemic illness
- 16 microbes that can trigger disease when imbalanced
A panel of beneficial bacteria that support oral and whole-body health
The results are easy to read and compare against healthy population norms, making this test ideal for anyone looking for personalised, targeted insight, especially when guided by a holistic dental team that understands the mouth–body connection.
Why the Oral Microbiome Matters
Your mouth could be silently influencing your heart, metabolism, and even your brain. Here’s how:
🫀 Heart Health
Bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis can drive inflammation and vascular damage, raising the risk of heart disease, particularly in vulnerable groups like those with diabetes or postmenopausal women.
🧬 Metabolic Health
Oral microbial imbalances have been linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Dysbiosis in the mouth may contribute to fat metabolism disruption and chronic inflammation.
🧠 Brain Health
Emerging research shows that certain oral bacteria, such as Clostridium and Porphyromonas, may play a role in neurodegeneration. These microbes can trigger neuroinflammation and may even contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s.
🧘 Mental Health
A new 2025 study from NYU has found a direct link between the diversity of bacteria in the mouth and depressive symptoms. People with lower oral microbiome diversity were more likely to report depression. Some microbes were more prevalent in individuals with low mood, while beneficial species were significantly reduced. This aligns with research into the gut-brain axis and highlights how maintaining a healthy oral microbiome may also support mental wellbeing.
When to Consider Saliva Testing
You don’t need to wait for symptoms. Consider testing if you have:
- Persistent gum issues, ulcers, or bad breath
- Inflammatory symptoms with no clear cause
- Cardiometabolic concerns (e.g., unstable blood sugar, high blood pressure)
- Cognitive decline or a family history of dementia
- Ongoing low mood or unexplained fatigue
- A desire to optimise long-term health and resilience
Saliva Testing in London: Your Next Step Toward Better Health
If you’re looking for a saliva test in London, or want a holistic dentist near you who understands how oral health affects your entire body and mind, Optimal Dental Health can help.
We use the Salient Bio test to provide scientifically grounded insights, alongside nutritional, lifestyle, and dental care strategies tailored to your needs.
Book your test today to take control of your health, from the inside out.
📞 Call us on 020 3921 1000
📧 Email: hello@optimaldental.co.uk
