Consultants’ Comments

• “This is an excellent patient education procedure.”
• “Very useful for a selected number of my patients.”
• “Patient education brochures would enhance the impact of the findings.”
• “I’d like to have the test identify pathogens for caries and periodontitis.”
• “An additional appointment is necessary to administer and complete the test.”

Description

Saliva-Check is a six-step, in-vitro test to analyze the quality and the quantity of a patient’s saliva. In 10 minutes, Saliva-Check provides information regarding salivary resting flow rate, resting pH, stimulated salivary flow, stimulated pH, and buffering capacity. All necessary items to accomplish these tests are provided in an individually boxed kit. The kit contains three pH testing strips, collection cup, wax ball, buffer test strip, cotton gauze, and a pipette. A chart appropriate for inclusion in a patient’s record to document the results is also included. Patients should be directed to refrain from smoking, consuming food or drink, tooth brushing or using mouthwash for at least one hour before testing. This evaluation is based on results from 38 private dental offices in testing over 125 patients.

Product Features

Consultants reported that the manufacturer’s instructions, packaging and ease of administering the tests were good. Saliva-Check was especially useful for patients with high caries risk as well as geriatric patients and those with xerostomia. The kit is complete, providing all needed items for all analyses. The color comparison charts (pH, buffering capacity) are easy to read and the test results provide good aids in patient education and preventive treatment planning. Consultants felt the value of the test would need to be appropriately communicated to the patient. The time and cost required to administer and interpret the test and then counsel patients would need to be delivered as part of a comprehensive oral wellness program. Patients were more comfortable collecting saliva in privacy. About one quarter of the consultants indicated they would purchase and recommend this product. When compared to other means of measuring pH buffering capacity, consultants felt this was the best product available today.

Clinical Tips

• Dentists and hygienists should do practice tests on themselves before using it with patients.
• Read the instructions carefully.