Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a test that uses saliva to help consumers detect early risks of tooth decay from diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

“Gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, is caused by bacteria. But not just any bacteria,” writes Michael Miller in a recent article published at UC.edu. 

According to Andrew Steckl, an Ohio Eminent Scholar and distinguished research professor in UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, the challenge for researchers was developing a tool to identify the specific kind of bacteria responsible for this disease. 

“It’s been quite the challenge to get to the point where we can detect this toxin created by the bacteria responsible for gingivitis,” says Steckl, who collaborated with Senior Research Associate Daewoo Han on this new test. “There are good reasons to use saliva. It’s relatively plentiful and easy to obtain through non-invasive methods. And saliva has a lot of important elements that can act as indicators of your health.”

Sourced by Dr. Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, owner of Cariodontal and Manhattan Oasis Dentistry, 525 West End Ave., Ste. 1G, New York, NY. Call 212-874-2880 or visit ManhattanOasisDentistry.com and Cariodontal.com.