Your Results Are In — Now What?

Getting your saliva test results back can feel overwhelming. A list of bacterial names, numbers, and reference ranges doesn't mean much without context. This guide will help you understand what your results actually tell you — and what to do about it.

The Three Things Your Results Show

1. Pathogenic Bacteria (High Risk)

These are bacteria directly associated with disease. Common ones include:

• Porphyromonas gingivalis — Linked to gum disease, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular disease
• Fusobacterium nucleatum — Linked to pregnancy complications and colorectal cancer
• Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans — Associated with aggressive periodontitis
• Treponema denticola — Part of the "red complex" of periodontal pathogens

What a high level means: Active or developing dysbiosis. Not everyone with high levels has symptoms yet, but the risk increases over time.

2. Opportunistic Bacteria (Moderate Risk)

These bacteria are normally present in small numbers but can cause problems when they overgrow:

• Prevotella intermedia
• Capnocytophaga species
• Eikenella corrodens

What a high level means: Early warning sign. The microbiome is shifting away from health, but disease hasn't necessarily taken hold.

3. Beneficial Bacteria (Protective)

These bacteria help maintain oral health:

• Streptococcus salivarius — Produces antibacterial compounds
• Streptococcus sanguinis — Competes with pathogens
• Neisseria species — Helps maintain healthy pH

What a low level means: Your protective flora may be compromised, making it easier for pathogens to take hold.

Understanding Reference Ranges

Most test reports use one of three systems:

| System | What It Means | | --- | --- | | High/Moderate/Low/Not Detected | Categorical risk levels — most common for consumer tests | | CFU/mL (colony forming units) | Actual bacterial count per milliliter of saliva | | Relative abundance (%) | What proportion of your total microbiome this species represents |

Key insight: A "low" level of a pathogen isn't necessarily zero — it means the bacteria is present but at levels considered within normal limits. For keystone pathogens like P. gingivalis, any detectable level may warrant attention.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Multiple pathogens elevated simultaneously — Indicates broad dysbiosis
• High pathogens + low beneficial bacteria — Double hit: bad bacteria present, good bacteria depleted
• P. gingivalis detected at any level if you're pregnant or have a family history of Alzheimer's
• Elevated inflammatory markers (if your test includes them) — Indicates active tissue damage

What to Do Based on Your Results

If Pathogens Are High

1. Schedule a periodontal evaluation — Deep cleaning may be needed
2. Upgrade your hygiene routine — Add interdental brushes or a water flosser
3. Consider targeted products — See our clinician-vetted product list
4. Follow a protocol — Our Action Protocols provide step-by-step guidance
5. Re-test in 3–6 months to verify the protocol is working

If Opportunistic Bacteria Are Elevated

1. Improve daily hygiene — Focus on consistency, not intensity
2. Review diet — Reduce sugar, increase fiber and fermented foods
3. Manage stress — Cortisol suppresses beneficial bacteria
4. Re-test in 6 months

If Beneficial Bacteria Are Low

1. Avoid broad-spectrum antimicrobial mouthwashes (like chlorhexidine) unless prescribed
2. Consider probiotic lozenges containing S. salivarius
3. Eat prebiotic foods — Fiber feeds beneficial oral bacteria
4. Address dry mouth — Saliva is the primary defense for beneficial bacteria

Getting Professional Help

If your results are complex or you have specific health concerns, consider:

• Using our Results Interpreter tool for AI-guided analysis
• Booking a consultation with Dr. Najafi
• Sharing results with your dentist or physician using our Clinical Conversation Scripts

Want to Compare Tests Before Re-Testing?

If you're thinking about a follow-up test, see our test comparison guide or read about the difference between saliva blood tests and pathogen panels.

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This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.