Saliva Testing in Dentistry
The scenes of PCR testing using saliva for asymptomatic individuals and those suspected of early-stage infection amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have become widely known. This testing is now performed by numerous people worldwide.
In dentistry, the genetic information of periodontal pathogens is contained in the saliva of periodontal disease patients. Saliva PCR testing has been developed to assess the proportions of these pathogenic bacteria and the severity of periodontal disease.
Common Periodontal Disease-Causing Bacteria
The main bacteria causing periodontal disease are Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. g bacteria), Prevotella intermedia (P. i bacteria), Tannerella forsythia (T. f bacteria), Treponema denticola (T. d bacteria), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a bacteria).
When the proportions of these bacteria in saliva exceed established thresholds, the patient is diagnosed with mild to moderate periodontal disease.
At our Matsumoto Dental University Hospital, we have been conducting this test since September 2021 for over 120 patients.
In our testing, we focus on the distribution of the gene fimA, one of the filamentous proteins of P. g bacteria. This allows us to differentiate severe periodontal disease.
Utilization in Implant Dentistry and Orthodontics
Saliva testing is also widely used not only for patients with refractory periodontal disease but also for those planning oral implant treatment or orthodontic therapy.
By assessing the oral environment, especially the status of periodontal bacteria, of patients planning implant or orthodontic treatment, necessary measures can be taken to prevent complications from periodontal disease following treatment.
This testing helps ensure precise treatment and prevention tailored to each patient’s oral environment.
Impact on Overall Health
Recently, the severity of periodontal disease has been linked to conditions like diabetes, endocarditis, and atherosclerosis, emphasizing the connection between periodontal disease treatment and prevention and overall health maintenance.
Research on saliva has also advanced, revealing that it contains a wealth of health information comparable to that found in blood.Moreover, saliva testing is more convenient than blood tests, as it requires only spitting into a tube rather than needle insertion for blood collection.
The Importance of Saliva Testing.
Given the current circumstances, saliva testing is considered crucial for the prevention and diagnosis of systemic diseases, along with blood and urine tests.
At our Matsumoto Dental University Hospital, we diagnose each patient’s oral environment through saliva examination and utilize it for treatment. For inquiries regarding saliva testing, please contact us by phone.
Authored by: Professor Satoshi Murakami Department of Pathology Matsumoto Dental University
Source: Matsumoto Dental University “CampusToday No.469”
