Western Kentucky University
Saliva: Decoding the Body
Institution
Western Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Joseph Evans
Abstract
Saliva testing is a procedure that can be used in a dental office to identify diseases, disorders, or deficiencies by using proteins in saliva as markers. Saliva performs many functions in the mouth to keep the oral cavity in balance. It contains crucial proteins, enzymes, and antibodies that help to prevent infections in the oral cavity. These components in saliva can be used to test for discrepancies in other parts of the body. There are two main types of saliva testing: oral environment testing and pathogen specific testing. Oral environment testing is performed chairside and takes about 10 minutes. Oral environment testing checks saliva pH, consistency flow production, and buffering capacity. Pathogen specific testing requires 48 hours to incubate and can detect the level of certain bacteria in the mouth. Within the last ten years, saliva testing has emerged in dental offices. It allows professionals to monitor the patient's health, disease onset/progression, and treatment outcomes through noninvasive means at a relatively low cost. Proteins are measured through saliva testing and used as markers to detect the following: caries, periodontal disease, cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and hormonal deficiencies. New technology being used is a microchip implanted under the tissue in the floor of the mouth. This microchip monitors the oral environment and goes unnoticed in the mouth. Research is still being conducted on this product and cost is relatively high at this time. The use of salivary testing in a dental office could be a beneficial and noninvasive way to detect abnormalities in the body especially for those who may not see a physician regularly.
Saliva: Decoding the Body
Saliva testing is a procedure that can be used in a dental office to identify diseases, disorders, or deficiencies by using proteins in saliva as markers. Saliva performs many functions in the mouth to keep the oral cavity in balance. It contains crucial proteins, enzymes, and antibodies that help to prevent infections in the oral cavity. These components in saliva can be used to test for discrepancies in other parts of the body. There are two main types of saliva testing: oral environment testing and pathogen specific testing. Oral environment testing is performed chairside and takes about 10 minutes. Oral environment testing checks saliva pH, consistency flow production, and buffering capacity. Pathogen specific testing requires 48 hours to incubate and can detect the level of certain bacteria in the mouth. Within the last ten years, saliva testing has emerged in dental offices. It allows professionals to monitor the patient's health, disease onset/progression, and treatment outcomes through noninvasive means at a relatively low cost. Proteins are measured through saliva testing and used as markers to detect the following: caries, periodontal disease, cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and hormonal deficiencies. New technology being used is a microchip implanted under the tissue in the floor of the mouth. This microchip monitors the oral environment and goes unnoticed in the mouth. Research is still being conducted on this product and cost is relatively high at this time. The use of salivary testing in a dental office could be a beneficial and noninvasive way to detect abnormalities in the body especially for those who may not see a physician regularly.