Salivary Diagnostic Testing Services in Meridian, ID
Did you know your saliva is the key to unlocking vital information about your health? This simple bodily fluid contains a wealth of knowledge and data that can reveal several health issues, from early signs of oral diseases to systemic conditions. Saliva testing can assess your risk for cavities and gum disease and detect the bacteria associated with 57+ other diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. These simple and powerful tests should be the gold standard for evaluating every patient in a dental chair.
Saliva testing provides a biological snapshot of the environment inside your mouth, giving valuable insights into the hidden factors affecting your oral health and overall wellness. At Restoration Dentistry, we go beyond traditional dentistry by analyzing your saliva’s composition to identify imbalances, bacteria levels, and other key factors affecting your health. Our comprehensive testing allows us to create custom treatment plans that address any harmful pathogens in your saliva, ensuring the bacteria in your mouth aren’t putting your overall health at risk.
What Is Saliva Testing?
Saliva testing is a non-invasive and pain-free diagnostic tool that provides essential information about a person’s oral and overall health. It involves collecting and analyzing saliva samples to detect bacteria and other indicators of health conditions. Because your saliva contains DNA, hormones, enzymes, and proteins, it is critical for identifying diseases and monitoring your health status.
At Restoration Dentistry, we use the SimplyPERIO testing system. This system features complete multi-organism detection capabilities and can test for markers that indicate a wide range of issues.
Here are just a few:
Studies show that 95% of those with diabetes also have gum disease, those suffering from gum disease for more than ten years are 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, and oral bacteria trigger up to 50% of heart attacks and strokes. This makes saliva testing an essential diagnostic tool to catch serious issues early! Using the data collected by saliva testing, your care team at Restoration Dentistry can make informed decisions on the best treatment methods to protect both your oral and overall health.
Who Could Benefit From Saliva Testing?
Because periodontal disease is a widespread condition, saliva testing is beneficial for most individuals, which is why we test every new patient at Restoration Dentistry. Specific groups that may find saliva testing especially helpful include:
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Patients with oral health issues:
Individuals prone to cavitie gum inflammation, or gum disease can benefit from saliva testing to identify imbalances and receive tailored treatment to combat these issues.
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Individuals at risk for systemic diseases:
People with a family history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s or other systemic diseases can use saliva testing to monitor their health status and take preventative measures to manage their risk factors.
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Those who have had restorative treatments:
Patients who have had restorative care, including extractions, root canals, and implants, are at an increased risk of imbalance in their oral microbiome.
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Pregnant women:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can impact oral health. Saliva testing can help identify potential risks for gum disease or other conditions affecting maternal and fetal health.
As technology advances, saliva testing in Meridian is expected to become an even more powerful diagnostic tool, with research showing that it can potentially aid in the diagnosis and addressing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression!
The Saliva Testing Process
There are many symptoms of airway problems, but odds are you’ve already noticed a few of them if there’s a real issue. When you come into our office, we’ll look for the following signs to determine whether airway medicine is right for you:
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Pre-Collection:
Avoid chewing gum, using tobacco products, brushing your teeth, or eating and drinking at least 30 minutes before your saliva collection appointment.
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Collection:
At your appointment, you will be instructed to swish a sterile saline solution for 30 seconds before spitting the solution and saliva into a collection tube. Your dental provider will add a preservation solution to the tube to ensure your sample remains stable.
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Laboratory Analysis:
Your saliva sample will be sent to an outside laboratory where it is analyzed for the presence of 12 different oral pathogens linked to oral and overall health.
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Results:
Your care team at Restoration Dentistry , will use the results of your saliva test to create a custom treatment plan that addresses any identified risks or conditions in order to restore you to optimal health.
Saliva testing is a simple but powerful way to catch issues early and keep track of your health—helping you take control of not only your oral health but also your whole-body health.
How Saliva Testing Sets Restoration Dentistry Apart
At Restoration Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to dental care, focusing on prevention and early intervention through advanced diagnostic tools like saliva testing. By taking a functional approach, we look beyond symptoms to identify the root causes of oral health issues. Instead of band-aid solutions, we create personalized treatment plans that address your specific health needs and concerns by utilizing measurable data from your saliva tests.
We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of dental innovation in Idaho, offering services that help our patients take back their health. Our commitment to your total wellness extends beyond typical dental practices, as we understand the crucial connection between oral health and systemic conditions. To learn more about how our dental saliva testing services can benefit your health or to schedule an appointment, call us at (208) 229-1500 or visit our contact form.
