Salivary Sample Tests – What They Can Do

Saliva has a significant role in supporting the health of soft and hard tissues in the mouth. The defensive functions of saliva include maintaining a neutral oral pH, cleaning and remineralizing the dentition, aiding swallowing and digestion, and protecting oral tissue. Reduced salivary secretion can lead to multiple oral problems, such as dental caries, fungal infections, mucositis, and periodontal diseases. Saliva is also regarded as the mirror of the body, reflecting the overall patient's state of health.

Diagnostic Tool

The diagnostic properties of saliva are readily accessible, and the sample collection is non-invasive. A sample can be tested for proteins, electrolytes, hormones, antibodies, as well as other substances. The benefits are even greater when multiple samples over a period of time are obtained and tested.

Chair-side diagnostic tests and biosensor technologies are currently under development. These tests can be used to evaluate oral fluids for disease detection, which will also enable improved access and healthcare outcomes for patients. The detection of specific periodontal pathogens hidden in a patient’s mouth can promote treatment planning and risk assessment using hard data, rather than a subjective assessment.

For example, a saliva test can identify highly toxic bugs linked with aggressive forms of periodontal disease. The salivary test report will specifically state which antibiotics will be effective for each bacterial profile. Patients with periodontal disease can be periodically tested to determine if the process is active due to various bacteria. The salivary sample test results can be used to determine a treatment plan that is individualized for each patient, rather than providing a one-size-fits-all approach.

Future Development

Large-scale clinical trials and independent authentication studies are needed before noninvasive oral fluid tests become commercially available for the early detection of oral cancer and other systemic conditions. Further refinement of oral fluid screening tests to help identify individuals at increased risk for oral and systemic diseases holds great promise to strengthen our understanding of the relationship between overall health and oral health.

Dental practitioners can better explain and link the gap between oral and systemic health by implementing saliva testing. Additionally, the clinical events and the science of salivary diagnostic testing can have a positive impact on patient outcomes with minimal to no health risks or financial concerns for many patients.

Give the dental office of Dr. Steven K. Okamoto a call to see if you can benefit from Salivary Sample Testing.

How Dentists Work with General Care Providers

At Steven K. Okamoto, DDS, Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto want patients to experience the most comprehensive care for their needs, which is why our team partners and cooperates with general care providers and specialists in the creation of your treatment plan, whenever needed. These partnerships are essential in improving systemic and dental health. The following are just some of the ways we work together with other professionals to care for our patients:

Oncologists for Pre-Cancer Dentistry

If you or a person you know is dealing with cancer, our dental office is able to work with your primary care physician and oncologist to assess your medical history and create an all-inclusive treatment plan. Drs. Michelle and Steve Okamoto provide beneficial care in protecting the health of your smile as you complete necessary therapies to combat the progression of your condition and ensure future wellness.

Steven K. Okamoto, DDS is dedicated to working with chemotherapy patients to maintain proper oral health during this time. Visit our dental office either before or during your chemotherapy treatment and we can establish contact with your medical team to maintain your dental health status under after your course of chemotherapy is complete.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Dental Appliances and Sleep Physicians

You may be looking to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. When providing OSA appliances, we consult your general care physician, determining whether such treatment is ideal for you, and collection information about current health standings that may inform how your treatment is completed at our office. 

Part of this cooperation includes your participation in a sleep study. While our office provides at-home sleep tests for determining the cause and severity of sleep disordered breathing, findings that can affect your overall health can and should be shared with your primary care physician. In cases of sleep apnea, overall health concerns like maintaining an optimal weight for your height and monitoring your blood pressure are all components that your general practitioner can provide assistance with during sleep apnea treatment through our dental office.

Existing Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions are intricately linked with your dental health, and vice versa. When diagnosing and treating these problems, your general physician and our dentists work together to determine the best course of treatment for you. One such circumstance is the correlation between gum disease and systemic health. Chronic gum disease can lead to serious heart problems, as the plaque present in soft tissue infections can build up in arteries when allowed into the blood stream. Patients exhibiting serious gum disease problems are treated by our office and often advised to have their general health carefully monitored to ensure they are not at-risk for secondary problems.

Cooperative Dental Medicine

If you are looking for comprehensive dental treatment that works in concert with your general care physician, contact Steven K. Okamoto, DDS and Michelle Okamoto, DDS today. Our team is eager to provide full care for residents in and around the Torrance area.