This new innovation involves mobile phone application to capture time sensitive data and to communicate with the server in compliance with HIPPA regulations. Currently saliva-testing examination tool is used by the dental team to educate patients, assist in preventive treatment planning and properly select dental materials in order to initiate changes in the patient’s oral hygiene. Dental team currently measures saliva pH through pH level test strip. Litmus paper is simply a strip of colored paper that is soaked in sample saliva. The paper turns a different color depending upon the pH of the saliva. This color changes in a range of red (indicating the strong acidic state ( pH<3 ) ) to dark blue or purple (indicating the strong alkali state ( pH > 11 ) ).
Saliva is one of the body’s most effective means for protecting the tooth enamel against acid. It is important to have adequate saliva to be a pH buffer. When plaque pH drops below 5.5, tooth decay can occur. Studies indicate that saliva may be useful for detecting heart disease, acid reflux, diabetes and other conditions. Saliva is already used for rapid HIV testing.