Approximately 50% to 80% of the adult population has some degree of periodontal disease.

• Higher levels of bacteria will show as higher levels of ammonia.
• This is a variable number and can be linked to many things, including Alzheimer’s Disease.
• We need to consider this in the context of the patient’s overall health and whether it is directly linked to infection in the mouth or other systemic issues.

These biomarkers are among my favorites with the SillHa test when I’m looking at the adult population. The most important and interesting fact for me is the patients who have no clinical evidence of periodontal disease.

Evaluation of Caries Risk using Acidity, Buffer Capacity and Ammonia Buffer Capacity

When we talk about protecting the teeth from cavities, buffer capacity is an important marker to consider.
• I explain to parents that when we eat, acid is produced by the bacteria in our mouth, especially with fermentable carbohydrates.
• It takes about 20 minutes for the body to bring the pH of the mouth high enough to get it out of the demineralization stage.
• It takes about 40 minutes for remineralization to start.
• If we have a highly constant acidic environment, then our ability to buffer the acid is compromised and that protective effect of the saliva is not there anymore.

Here are two videos that can help explain what’s happening and how to solve it.