A team of American researchers have developed an ingenious home test to diagnose gingivitis, also known as gum disease.
The tool looks and works almost exactly like a lateral flow test for Covid-19, telling the patient within 10 minutes whether the condition is present.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 40 percent of all American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease.
The problem – which is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth – leads to tooth decay, gum pain and ultimately tooth and bone loss.
Over time, gum disease can lead to tooth decay, sore gums and ultimately tooth loss
Crucially, studies have shown that bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the mouth and travel to major organs, leading to heart disease.
Research shows that people with gum infections are twice as likely to develop heart disease.
Currently, gum disease is noticed during a dental exam, where dentists detect inflammation in the gums by measuring the space between the gums and the teeth.
There are tests available that look for the type of bacteria in the mouth, but patients must wait up to a week for results.
The new test works similarly to a lateral flow device, mixing a saliva sample with a solution.
Now, experts at the University of Cincinnati have developed a device that can deliver results in minutes.
Patients take a saliva swab and mix it with a solution that contains a surprising ingredient: starch extracted from potatoes.
The compound mixes with the saliva to remove a protein called amylase that could interfere with test results.
The sample is then placed on the results stick – similar to a Covid-19 test. Antibodies in the solution bind to the bacteria, causing both lines to turn red within 10 minutes if there is gum disease.
About 40 percent of American adults over 30 have gum disease — and the problem has been linked to serious, chronic health problems such as heart disease and dementia.
Researchers said it was difficult to identify the specific type of bacteria responsible for the disease.
“It’s been quite a challenge to get to the point where we can detect this toxin produced by the bacteria responsible for gingivitis,” Andrew Steckl, research professor of applied sciences at the University of Cincinnati, told me. institution’s website.
Initial studies showed that the test performed well in accurately detecting gum disease, although the most accurate results were observed when saliva was mixed with the solution for 40 minutes.
It’s unclear whether the researchers plan to submit the test to health chiefs with the intention of rolling it out nationwide, but they are working with Sancai Xie, a chief scientist at health megabrand Procter & Gamble Co.
Writing in the diary Sensors and diagnosticsthe scientists note that detecting gum disease is a key measure not only for oral health, but also “across the body system” because of the “close relationship between gingivitis and other major systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular, rheumatoid arthritis and neurodegenerative diseases.” (Alzheimer’s) diseases’.
Detecting heart risks early and introducing lifestyle interventions such as weight loss and exercise, as well as medications, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by about 50 percent, the study said. American Heart Association.