The latest research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry has found that by testing the protein levels in saliva, it can provide a simple and effective new method for the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).
The study, which has been published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, tracked more than 400 participants for 18 months and showed that the levels of inflammation-related proteins in saliva were closely related to the severity of periodontal disease.
The research team found that the content of specific proteins in saliva was significantly increased in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis, and these protein levels decreased after treatment.
This finding shows that saliva can not only reflect changes in the disease, but also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, becoming a promising disease monitoring tool.
Dr. Flavia Teles, a periodontist and the head of the study, pointed out that this achievement opens the door to at-home saliva testing, which is expected to achieve more frequent and personalized health management between patients and dentists.
She said: “With this technology, patients can more actively track gum health, adjust treatment strategies in time, and significantly improve the quality of dental care.”
The study included 302 individuals with periodontitis and 113 people with periodontal health, and analyzed the changes in proteins in their saliva and blood.
Although biomarkers in the blood also show a certain treatment response, researchers believe that saliva testing has the advantages of being non-invasive, convenient and low-cost, and is more suitable for widespread use in community and family scenarios.
Nearly half of the world’s population is affected by periodontal disease, which may cause loose teeth or even loss if not treated in time.
This study emphasizes that saliva diagnosis can not only increase the early detection rate of the disease, but also promote the transformation of personalized, prevention-oriented dental service models in the future.