salvia test
why test the saliva?
to see if we are all doing our jobs properly!
The saliva test informs us whether our young patient is at risk for caries or gum disease. These factors can be ascertained:
- Whether too many bacteria inhabit the mouth.
- Whether the saliva is profuse enough, and of optimal consistence and content.
when should we test the saliva?
- in very young children without apparent disease when proneness is suspected from family history, siblings etc.
- one year after full mouth rehabilitation in order to check whether or not the microbiology of the mouth has improved.
- before introducing orthodontic appliances into the mouth, which in themselves increase the risk of dec
when should we not test the saliva?
By obvious decay, since we know then, that the results will be negative, it is a waste of your time and money.
important functions of saliva
- Natural cleansing effect
- Anti-bacterial protection
- Neutralising of acid
- Regeneration of tooth substance.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
verifying the quantity of saliva
The greater the volume, the better the protection for the teeth!
Tte strength of the acid-neutralising effect
The stronger the saliva acid-neutralising effect, the fewer the caries!
The estimate of bacterial caries risks
... through Lactobacillus test: a high number of colony-forming units means a high sugar consumption!
... through Streptococcus mutans test:
caries is an infectious disease caused by Streptococcus mutans!
Possible therapies after test evaluations:
an increase in the natural defence
Decrease in harmful influence.
Prevention of pathological bacteria
Professional prevention strategies.
