A guide to saliva testing: Staying ahead of problems to support health with the SillHa® Oral Wellness System

Saliva serves an important diagnostic function to help discover why people are having dental problems. At Biodentist Alabama, our team in Dothan can use saliva testing to proactively detect one’s risk of developing caries (decay) and gum disease with the SillHa® Oral Wellness System.

What is salivary testing?

The use of saliva in diagnostics is well-established. The American Dental Association has isolated a range of potential markers for disease detected within saliva samples, from bacteria and viruses to fungi and markers for tumors. Additionally, the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health has called out salivary diagnostics as a beneficial tool to support and advance oral and systemic/overall health. Our dentists blend their clinical expertise and assessment with the findings from saliva testing to determine one’s true risk for disease. These findings inform recommendations for treatment plans that stay ahead of problems and/or resolve them at their earliest stages.

How does the SillHa^® system work?

This particular type of saliva test can be completed quickly “chairside,” or during your regular check-up. In fact, one of our hygienists may collect a sample of your saliva prior to your cleaning or exam. All it takes is a single drop from an oral rinse for us to assess seven primary “biomarkers” for oral wellness. This test then flags your risk as either “low,” “moderate,” or “high” in each of these areas. The analysis can be completed in just five minutes, and we can explain the results in an understandable way. When it’s time for our doctors to discuss your oral health with you, the results are ready and waiting and play an important role in educating you on the condition or state of your teeth, gums, and mouth.

What exactly does the SillHa^® system test for?

The resulting report displays at-a-glance results in the seven areas referenced above. These areas are considered to be “markers” or “indicators” of oral health, and they include bacteria (cariogenic), acidity, buffer capacity, leukocytes, protein, and ammonia. Don’t worry — while these terms may sound highly technical, we will walk you through the key findings in a clear and digestible way.

How does saliva testing help me?

Biodentist Alabama sees this system as another vital tool in its toolbox to support your sustained oral health and well-being. We take the results further by going over the root causes and sources of any trouble areas, as well as exploring recommendations for intervention or treatment. Such trusted knowledge adds to our big-picture understanding of what is going on inside of your mouth. It helps to drive healthy and positive action. In part, we are provided with a solid benchmark to measure improvements based on any recommendations. It also provides a compelling case for us to regularly follow up with you to continue to stay ahead of problems or resolve any early-stage issues before they cause traumatic damage that requires aggressive and/or costly restorative care.

We encourage you to call our team in Dothan today at (855) 939-5566 to find out more and to schedule your check-up.