Practice personalized prevention with saliva testing
A saliva test can check your susceptibility to cavities. Cavities are caused by bacterial infection. Bacterial infection occurs when certain conditions in the oral cavity are met.The causes vary from person to person, with some people having a higher number of bacteria and others having less saliva, which reduces the bactericidal effect.At our clinic, we create a chart to evaluate the risk of tooth decay and recommend preventive measures that are appropriate for each patient.
Saliva testing is recommended for these people
- People who are prone to cavities (have a lot of cavities)
- People who don't want to get cavities
- People who want to effectively prevent tooth decay
What a saliva test can tell you
1. Saliva secretion
The amount of saliva secreted also influences the susceptibility to tooth decay.If the amount of saliva secreted is low, the antibacterial effect of saliva is not fully exerted, and bacteria easily multiply in the mouth.Saliva also promotes remineralization (the repair of the surface of dissolved teeth), so if you have enough saliva, it will strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.
2. Buffering capacity of saliva
The human body is naturally slightly alkaline.Saliva is also slightly alkaline, but depending on the person, the mouth may be acidic.It may be tilted. Normally, the mouth becomes acidic after a meal, but the ability to neutralize this acidic environment and return it to a weak alkaline state is called the "buffering capacity of saliva." The level of this neutralizing capacity varies from person to person, and the higher the capacity, the less likely one is to develop cavities. Conversely, if the "buffering capacity of saliva" is weak, the mouth will remain chronically acidic, creating an environment that is more susceptible to cavities.
3. Bacterial count
The main cause of tooth decay is the number of Streptococcus mutans.The more bacteria there are, the easier it is for tooth decay to occur and progress.Conversely, if there is less tooth decay, the risk of tooth decay decreases.
Saliva Testing Overview
Saliva test days
Results will be available within about two weeks of the test date.
Points to note when using saliva tests
Saliva testing is a simple process that only requires collecting saliva, but please note the following:
- Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, or brushing your teeth for one hour before the test.
- Refrain from exercising before the test (as this affects the amount of saliva produced)
- Avoid using mouthwash (including antiseptic mouth rinses) for 12 hours before the test.
Saliva test cost
- cost
- 5,500 yen
*All prices include tax.