Dental Did You Know: Saliva Testing

Saliva (spit) can be tested for (among other things): salivary chemistry, oral bacteria counts, quantity, viscosity, pH and buffering capacity. A DNA sample can also be retrieved.

Source (partial): Feldman B, Upfront, OD Editorial: A Different Approach, Ontario Dentist, Vol 85, No 2, pg 6.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Saliva Detection of Systemic Diseases

Laboratory analysis of saliva is increasingly being used to detect systemic diseases like: oral cancer, Cushing's syndrome, HIV, and hepatitis.

Source: Scientific Advances in Salivary Diagnostic Techniques, The Colgate Oral Care Report, Vol 17, No 1, 2007.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Salivary Glands Part 1

A bit of Dentistry 101:

There are basically 3 types of salivary (spit) glands and secretions they produce:

1. Serous (watery); mostly in the parotid gland (the largest salivary gland, its duct comes out at the level of the upper second molar) and glands of von Ebner
2. Mucous (thick); in the palatine and posterior lingual glands. They generally aid in swallowing.
3. Mixed; in the sublingual glands, submandibular glands (the most prolific producer of saliva), and the anterior sublingual glands. These glands (generally) secrete around the tongue.

Source: Crossley H, Unraveling the mysteries of saliva: Its importance in maintaining oral health, General Dentistry, Vol 55, No 4, July/Aug 2007, pg 288-296.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100