Saliva testing may mark periodontitis progression

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine have found that measuring proteins in saliva may offer an easy way to monitor periodontitis progression, according to a press release from the university.

Furthermore, tracking inflammation-related proteins in saliva over time may help assess periodontitis risk and treatment effectiveness, with blood levels also aiding in treatment evaluation, according to the release dated January 7.

"One can imagine a saliva test kit, based on such findings, that dentists could use and even periodontitis patients could use at home -- it could be a very useful personalized-dentistry tool for assessing risk and tailoring care," Dr. Flavia Teles, MS, DMSc, an associate professor in the department of basic and translational sciences at the university, said in the release.

Between 20% and 50% of the global population, including 64 million Americans, experience some level of periodontitis. This chronic bacterial infection and gum inflammation can lead to bone loss and tooth loss if untreated, according to the release.

In a recent study, the research group monitored saliva samples from more than 400 patients for up to 18 months. Among 302 participants with early to moderate/severe periodontitis and 113 without the condition, the researchers assessed disease progression every two months.

Saliva samples were analyzed for 10 inflammation-related proteins while blood samples were tested for five. After a year, periodontitis patients received standard nonsurgical therapy, with follow-ups at three and six months.

Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis progression had elevated levels of inflammation-related proteins, including interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL) 6, VEGF, IL-1β, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 8. These levels decreased following treatment.

Blood protein levels did not correlate strongly with disease progression but showed significant reductions in MMP-8, MMP-9, and C-reactive protein after treatment, according to the release.