How is salivary testing beneficial to a patient’s health?
By testing for pathogens that are known to deteriorate periodontal health, salivary testing can offer antibiotic recommendations that will target harmful bacteria strains that may be present in a patient’s mouth.
When coupled with regular checkups, cleanings and at-home oral hygiene care, the result can be a lessened bacterial load, which can improve a patient’s periodontal condition. Studies have shown that patients who were diligent about their dental homecare practices continued to show signs of periodontal disease, but after salivary testing identified their specific pathogen risk, the patients’ oral health improved significantly once they began taking the test’s suggested antibiotic.
Known as the body's natural defense mechanism, saliva not only helps develop and maintain the health of soft and hard tissue, but it may also reveal signs of health issues. Salivary diagnostics can play a vital part in helping our dentists produce high-quality outcomes for patients and create awareness of their oral-systemic risk factors. In fact, The U.S. National Institutes of Health has targeted salivary diagnostics as an essential area of development and is researching its many potential uses. Our dentists can identify early indicators of periodontal disease and dental caries by examining saliva. This approach allows us to create personalized treatment plans and assess risks based on concrete data rather than relying on personal opinions.
Risk factors that can contribute to gum disease, include genetics, diabetes, smoking, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, stress, a weakened immune system, hormonal changes, and certain connective tissue diseases.
In addition, this type of testing can identify bacteria known to cause cavities and even oral cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that HPV is currently the leading cause of oral cancer. Early diagnosis is crucial because it can improve survival from just 20% when found after it has spread to other locations to 93% when found early. Being aware of a patient’s risk factors can enable dental professionals to employ early prevention and intervention practices and screenings, and to inform patients of daily steps they can take to reduce their risks.
Interested in learning more about how salivary testing may benefit you? Call us today!
Ask “Do you have periodontal disease? Not sure? That’s OK, Book a Salivary Testing Appointment today.
