Saliva-based device introduced to warn of tooth decay

CINCINNATI, OH: A major stride in oral health has been made by engineers at the University of Cincinnati, who have introduced a pioneering at-home test designed to detect the early indications of gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis through a device that uses saliva to warn patients of early signs of tooth decay and periodontal issues, facilitating proactive oral health management.

The onset of gum disease, particularly gingivitis, is predominantly linked to specific strains of bacteria. Pinpointing these specific bacteria has always been a challenge for the dental health experts.

Andrew Steckl, an Ohio research professor in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science, says that detecting the toxin produced by the bacteria responsible for gingivitis has been a significant challenge.

In collaboration with UC Senior Research Associate Daewoo Han and Sancai Xie, a principal scientist at Procter & Gamble Co., Steckl's team recently published their remarkable findings in a paper featured in the Royal Society of Chemistry journal Sensors and Diagnostics.

The research team, which has previously worked on biosensing applications like stress hormones in sweat in partnership with the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, has now made a substantial breakthrough in the analysis of saliva, a readily available and informative biofluid.

Highlighting the advantages of utilising saliva, Andrew Steckl pointed out that saliva is a logical choice for various reasons. It is abundant and can be collected noninvasively. Additionally, saliva contains crucial elements that can serve as indicators of one's overall health."

It is worth noting that bacteria responsible for gingivitis can potentially enter the bloodstream, and can contribute to cardiovascular ailments and other grave health concerns.

Daewoo Han, the lead author of the study, clarified that saliva, though promising, is a complex biofluid. To ensure precise test results, the researchers pretreated the samples with potato starch to eliminate interference from the amylase protein. Their test relies on antibodies that react to the endotoxins present in the bacteria.

Steckl says Daewoo put in extensive effort, navigating numerous dead-ends before achieving success. He says that he often tell his students that research is an unceasing quest, a quest where you keep searching until you discover the answer.

The at-home health testing industry has witnessed significant expansion in recent years, largely catalysed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Allied Market Research predicts that this industry is poised to achieve an annual revenue of $45 billion by 2031.

Steckl envisions a promising future filled with innovative consumer products owing to this development.

With the advent of this pioneering saliva-based at-home test for gingivitis, consumers can anticipate a future where proactive oral health management is more accessible than ever before, thanks to the pioneering work of the University of Cincinnati's engineering team, promising healthier smiles and enhanced well-being.