Saliva testing

What is saliva testing?

A saliva test enables early prediction and recognition of dental decay. By analyzing the quantity and quality of the patient’s saliva, we can identify risk factors and draw up an individual treatment plan to secure long-term dental health.

Why do we use it?

Your saliva is critical for controlling tooth decay.  Tooth decay is caused by specific types of bacteria which attach themselves firmly to teeth and multiply to form a white deposit called plaque. The bacteria feed on what you eat, especially sugars, and produce acids as a by-product of their digestion. Acids can penetrate the hard substance of the teeth and dissolve some of the minerals (calcium and phosphate). Acid trapped in plaque causes the most damage. 

Your saliva will generally protect your teeth by neutralizing the acids and replacing minerals and fluoride in them. However, if your mouth is dry, you have high bacteria levels, or you snack frequently, then the tooth mineral lost by attacks of acids is too great and cannot be repaired. This is the start of tooth decay and leads to cavities.

What is involved?

The quick, simple test involves stimulating and collecting a sample of your saliva to measure two factors:

quantity: the amount of saliva produced when ‘resting’ and ‘stimulated’ affects its ability to protect teeth.
quality: the saliva should be able to coat and lubricate the teeth and gums, buffer or neutralize the acids that are harmful to teeth, and provide a source of mineral to strengthen the surface of the teeth.

The results are available immediately and are communicated to you in writing, together with our recommendations on how to manage your dental care, based on your personal risk profile. This will include advice on diet, plaque removal tools and techniques, fluoride and anti-bacterial treatments, and sealants.  This targeted approach to managing your susceptibility to dental decay is a realistic, achievable way to protect your teeth and prolong the life of fillings and crowns.