Saliva Testing can detect the

following

pH Levels
Buffering Capacity
Bacteria Levels

These cariogenic factors all effect a
patients oral cavity and their caries risk.
There are multiple tests created that
check for all of the above listed.
Saliva Testing is a diagnostic tool
that can help hygienists determine
a patients risk for caries. There are
a variety of saliva tests that can be
used in adjunct with a patients
caries risk assessment.

The test is used as an aid in caries
risk determination but can also be
used to educate the patient and
initiate changes in their oral
hygiene.

TREATMENT OPTIONS:

If a patient is at a high caries
risk, they no longer need to use
preventive methods but
treatment therapies. Below are
several ways a patient can
lower their caries risk.

- Saliva Substitutes
- Xylitol & other sugar-
free chewing gums
- Fluoride products such
as rinses
- Sprays and gels that help
moisten the oral cavity
There are even Xylitol lollipops
for children or adults that are
sugar-free and come in several
flavors!



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IENE.COM
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SALIVA TESTING
THE DIRECT CORRELATION TO CARIES RISK


Created By:

Shelby Holle

Kayla King

By implementing an earlier recall date the
hygienist can confirm how the patient is
managing their oral hygiene home regimen as
well as re-test with and see if there is a
difference in their caries risk.
The saliva testing is strictly an
assisting method and should be used
in addition to regular treatment.
WHAT IS BEING TESTED IN THE
SALIVA:
Shelby Holle and Kayla King
Bacteria Streptococcus Mutans and
Lactobacilli are the two main bacteria
found in cariogenic lesions. Saliva
testing for bacteria determines the
amount and type of bacteria found in a
patients oral cavity.
pH Levels The critical level for
which caries is created is between 5.5
and 6.0. A patients diet has a direct
effect on their pH levels. The more
sugary and acidic products consumed
determines if their pH is at a
cariogenic level.
Buffering Capacity Saliva testing a
patients buffering capacity
determines if they are able to
withstand rapid pH fluctuation as well
as neutralize the acids in their mouth.

Saliva Testing is a widely growing and popular
diagnostic tool that is an aid during a patients
caries risk assessment. The test used in the
Lamar Institute of Technology Dental Hygiene
Clinic is the Caries Susceptibility Testing
Meter which is a commonly used saliva test and
tests for the amount of bacteria in a patients
mouth.


TX OPTION
PH SCALE
SALIVA TESTING
THE DIRECT CORRELATION TO CARIES RISK

CARIES
BACTERIA
CARIES SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING
METER

Done chair side
1 minute test time
Swab the lower anterior linguals
Avoid all soft tissues
Less than 1500 = low bacteria count
Greater than or equal to 1501 = high
bacteria count







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