New tech for early detection of gum disease

Researchers from the University of Birmingham are developing a rapid test for gum disease that they believe can be used to monitor and detect diabetes, heart or lung disease.

Developed by Prof Tim Albrecht from the University’s School of Chemistry and Dr Melissa Grant from the School of Dentistry, the new technique could provide a rapid and accurate assessment of both the presence and extent of gum disease from a sample of saliva that can be taken in any healthcare setting.

Quantitative measuring device

Consisting of a specialised probe and a detector, the technology provides a quantitative measurement of biomarkers that indicate both the presence of gum disease and its severity. The biomarker panel was identified and validated by a team of researchers at the university’s Periodontal Research Group and published earlier this year in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

The researchers have received funding from the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account to develop a prototype of this new device, which is expected to be available within a year.

“We believe the device we are prototyping will be the first dental probe that can identify periodontal disease in this way,” said Prof Albrecht.

“It will detect periodontitis quickly and easily in a variety of healthcare settings, opening up opportunities for monitoring and early intervention in the patients with comorbid disease, who would benefit most from rapid treatment for periodontitis.”

Gum disease detection a priority

The leading cause of tooth loss, periodontal disease gets more common with age, and impacts 50% of 60-year olds in at least a mild form.

Untreated gum disease has been linked to a range of medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart or lung disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

According to the researchers, early detection and treatment of gum disease is a priority for people with these conditions.

Gum disease is also known to correlate with an inflammatory response that affects the course of disease in other conditions. In type 2 diabetes, it increases the risk of heart failure. It increases the risk of stroke or heart failure in cardiovascular disease.

Gum disease is usually identified in the dentist’s chair, when dental hygienists or dentists look for indicators such as tooth movement, sensitivity, gum bleeding or swelling.

Real-time detection and profiling

 “The ability to detect and profile disease biomarkers in real time will allow monitoring for disease severity, and in particular the transition between milder and more severe forms of gum disease,” said Dr Grant.

“This will benefit not only dental health, but also reduce costs and capture patients for whom periodontal treatment may, in the long run, be life-saving.”

The researchers expect to develop a probe that is small enough to be inserted into the space between gums and teeth. This would allow dentists to collect fluid from specific areas in the mouth, and accurately identify the site of infection.