In This Issue: The Value of Saliva Testing by Trisha O'Hehir, RDH, MS Hygienetown Editorial Director


The Value of Saliva Testing

by Trisha O'Hehir, RDH, MS
Hygienetown Editorial Director


We know that saliva is incredible, edible spit and that it is becoming the diagnostic fluid of choice for the medical profession. Saliva testing is easy to do and noninvasive. The human salivary proteome was recently published identifying more than 1,000 proteins. Many research groups are investigating ways to test saliva in a credit-card-sized nanosensor to identify a variety of cancers and other diseases. Before we move ahead to widespread saliva testing for medical reasons, let's take advantage of the many ways we have to measure and analyze the beneficial aspects of saliva as they relate to oral health and disease. The flow rate, viscosity, buffering action and pH of saliva provide a wealth of information that enhances treatment planning to prevent dental disease.


Xerostomia is on the rise. More people are taking more medications, all with dry-mouth side effects. Simple chairside tests make it easy for clinicians to determine the quantity and quality of saliva objectively. The tests are simple and easy to do - they just take time. The time invested in gathering information about saliva will be valuable for both patient and clinician as you tackle the risks associated with caries and periodontal disease. A few things can be incorporated into an already-busy dental hygiene visit, but to gather all the necessary facts, schedule a separate visit of 30 minutes to do the tests. Medicine routinely schedules appointments for lab tests. Why not do the same for dental disease? Create a saliva testing appointment, especially for those with active caries or those concerned about bad breath. The information gathered provides the answers you need to address the problems. Tim Ives and Dave Bridges, both RDHs from the U.K. provide the step-by-step process to make your new saliva testing appointment a success.

Inside This Section
96    Perio Reports
100  Profile in Oral Health: Salivary Testing in the Office
Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Have you ever switched practice management platforms for your practice?
  
Sally Gross, Member Services Specialist
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: sally@farranmedia.com
©2024 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450