Diagnostic Salivary Testing

Oral health is an important aspect of overall wellness, and preventive care is the key to maintaining optimal oral health. At Envision Dental, we believe that salivary testing is an essential component of preventive dental care that can help identify oral-systemic risk factors and contribute to positive outcomes for your oral health.

Salivary testing is a diagnostic tool that is used to determine the types of bacterial infections that may be present in the mouth. There are several types of salivary diagnostic tests available, and they can help identify pathogens known to contribute to periodontal damage. Early diagnostic testing is critical in helping dentists make informed decisions about treatment. When the specific pathogens are identified, the dentist can prescribe the best antibiotics to target those particular bacteria. This is beneficial because it means there is no guesswork about which medicines will be most effective.

Salivary testing is especially beneficial for patients who have good oral hygiene but still have recurring episodes of periodontal disease. When salivary testing is combined with periodontal maintenance visits and good oral hygiene at home, the number of bacteria-causing problems can be reduced. This leads to a positive outcome for treatment.

Comprehensive dental exams are another critical component of preventive dental care. Even patients with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings need routine checkups to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy. Our dentists and hygienists perform comprehensive exams of the teeth and gums to check for any signs of decay, gum disease, tooth damage, or other oral health issues. Detecting these problems early on is essential in getting the treatment needed before they become more severe issues, such as infected teeth or periodontitis.

Over- and under-medicating patients is always a concern for doctors and dentists. Identifying pathogens and the ability to target specific bacteria causing disease is a healthier treatment option. Rather than using a broad-spectrum antibiotic, targeted treatment means the patient will get the correct amount of the right medicine.

In addition to testing for pathogens that attack the gums, salivary testing can also reveal the presence of bacteria that cause dental caries. The measurement of these types of bacteria allows for better treatment options to reduce the risk of cavities.

Salivary testing can also reveal a patient’s genetic predisposition toward inflammation. These patients often have ongoing periodontal problems even after treatment and with good oral care at home. While nothing can be done about a patient’s genetic profile, knowing that you have an overactive inflammatory response is helpful. For such patients, systemic inflammatory issues can be managed with care from your physician, and periodontal issues can be monitored. More frequent oral care and adjunctive therapies may be advised.

Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) are also revealed with salivary testing. These strains have been shown to contribute to oral cancer, a disease that takes the lives of over 10,000 people every year. HPV has been identified as the leading cause of oral cancer. Early diagnosis provides a more positive outcome, increasing survival from 20% to 93%.

At Envision Dental, our dental team is proud to offer salivary testing as part of our comprehensive oral care. We believe that salivary testing is an essential component of preventive dental care that can help identify oral-systemic risk factors and contribute to positive outcomes for your oral health.

Salivary testing is a quick and easy procedure that involves taking a sample of your saliva. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to identify the types of bacteria present in your mouth. Results are typically available within a few days, and our dental team will use the results to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.

In addition to salivary testing, our dental team at Envision Dental provides a range of preventive dental services to help you maintain optimal oral health. We believe that preventive care is the foundation of good oral health, and we encourage our patients to visit us regularly for routine dental exams, cleanings, and other preventive services.

Maintaining optimal oral health is essential for overall wellness, and salivary testing is a critical component of preventive dental care. At Envision Dental, we are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health through personalized, comprehensive care.Contact us today to schedule your appointment for an oral exam with salivary testing.