Did you know that cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis are caused by bacteria?
You could order a molecular diagnostic service like PCR, or use a lab for microbial cultures, but some bacteria capable of inducing periodontal disease are difficult if not impossible to culture (Rdhmag, 2011) — and those tests won't enable you to see the live bacteria as they exist in your own unique oral microbiome, which has its own intrinsic value.
All bacterial diagnostic tests have limitations, but a useful marker for periodontal disease is not necessarily the existence of the bacteria per se, but the abundance of known pathogens in a given saliva sample (Salminen, et al. 2015).
"The relative levels of periodontal pathogens seem to be similar in whole saliva or mouthwash compared to periodontal lesions (Umeda et al., 1998; Boutaga et al., 2007; Haririan et al., 2014). Moreover, saliva reflects the overall conditions in mouth; in addition to tooth surfaces and periodontal pockets, periodontal pathogens can also be found on tongue and mucosa." - Salminen, et al. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2015; 5: 69.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis is inflammation of the gums and bone loss due to infection. Gingitivis can progress to periodontitis if left untreated (NIDCR, 2018).
"Periodontitis, also generally called gum disease or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end — if not properly treated — with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth." Read More
Some of the bacteria implicated in gum disease include:
Some pathogenic organisms, including a few genera listed above, are able to be qualitatively or phenotypically identified with a microscope.
Treponema denticola and other anaerobic species of oral spirochetes are common inhabitants of the oral cavity, but when seen in whole saliva are associated with inflammatory gum disease. Spirochetes are undetectable in oral health, but are abundant in cases of periodontitis (Holt and Ebersole 2005; Sakamoto et al. 2005).
Gram-negative, motile vibrio or spirilla like Campylobacter rectus have flagella that help them swim, and are often pathogenic in large numbers (Rams et al. 1993).
Gliding, curving, fusiform bacilli like Capnocytophaga spp. and Fusobacteria nucleatum are potentially pathogenic when seen in high abundance in the oral cavity.
The following is a list of signs and symptoms of gum disease (NIDCR, Feb 2018).
Digital Bio Imaging is an independent research firm based in Maryland's Tech Corridor, and they're dedicated to providing patients with the information they need to correct and maintain their oral health. DBI offers a video imaging service so that you can see HD video of your own oral microbiome, along with a supplementary interpretive report of the potentially pathogenic organisms seen in your sample.
Sample collection is painless and easy — each kit comes with everything you need to submit a sample, including a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. Complete the simple instructions and drop your kit in the mail, and Digital Bio Imaging will sample your saliva the same day it is received, and prepare your report within five business days. The report will be sent as a PDF to your dentist or clinician, and the next time you book an appointment with them, they can share with you the results and discuss whatever treatment options may be most benficial.