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.
Salivary testing can also make dental professionals aware of a patient’s genetic vulnerabilities to inflammation, which can impact a host of systemic health conditions. Having this insight, your oral health team is better able to understand the level of care a patient requires, if more frequent checkups and cleanings are necessary, and if additional therapies or periodontal treatments would be prudent.
In addition, this type of testing can identify bacteria known to cause cavities and even oral cancer. 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.
What is a saliva test in dentistry?
A saliva test in dentistry is a diagnostic tool that analyzes the saliva to gather information about your oral and overall health. This test can help detect markers for various conditions, including oral diseases, systemic health issues, and nutritional imbalances. By examining the saliva, our experts can identify potential problems and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What diseases are tested by saliva?
Saliva testing can detect a range of diseases and conditions, including but not limited to:
- Oral infections: Identifying bacteria or viruses that cause gum disease or other oral health issues.
- Hormonal imbalances: Evaluating levels of hormones such as cortisol and estrogen.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Assessing biomarkers related to vitamin and mineral levels.
Systemic conditions: Screening for markers associated with diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
Interested in learning more about how salivary testing may benefit you? Call us today!
