What Is Oral Microbiome Testing?

Your mouth does more than smile—it’s home to a thrivingcommunity of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, also known as the oral microbiome.Some of these microbes help keep your smile healthy, while others cancontribute to issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. But here’s thekicker: your oral microbiome also plays a major role in your overall health.

At Espire Dental, we’re excited to offer a simple,one-minute saliva test at select locations that lets us dig deeper—revealingwhat’s going on in your mouth and how it may be affecting the rest of yourbody. With this test, we can assess your risk for conditions like:

  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Gut Disorders (like IBS or IBD)
  • Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Why Oral Microbiome Testing Matters

For years, dental exams relied on what we could see—visualchecks and x-rays. But now, with microbiome testing, we can look at your healthon a whole new level. By identifying the specific bacteria, fungi, and virusesin your mouth, we can:

  • Catch gum disease and decay before they become serious
  • Understanding what's really causing chronic bad breath
  • Create a tailored hygiene plan just for you
  • Support your whole- body wellness, starting with your mouth

Why We Chose Bristle

We’ve partnered with Bristle, the most advanced oralmicrobiome test available. Backed by decades of scientific research, Bristleanalyzes over 700 species of bacteria and fungi to provide a complete pictureof your oral health.

  • a personalized report with your oral health scores
  • Your risk levels for cavities, gum inflamation, and halitosis
  • insights into how your mouth might be affecting your systemic halth
  • Clear recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and oral care products

It’s no longer about guessing—it’s about data-driven careyou can see and feel.

What Happens After the Test?

Once your results come in, your Espire Dental team will walk you through them step-by-step. Then we’ll create a custom plan based on yourunique oral microbiome. That might include:

  • Targeted cleanings or treatment
  • Recommended oral care products that work with your microbiome
  • Diet and lifestyle tweaks to support long- term health

We’ll even help you track your progress over time, so you can see just how much your health improves—inside the mouth and beyond.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

At Espire Dental, we believe great dental care is about more than just teeth. Oral microbiome testing with Bristle gives us a deeper look at your health so we can offer the most personalized, preventive care possible.

This advanced testing is currently available at select Espire practices, and we’re working to bring it to more locations soon! Ask your office if Bristle testing is offered near you.