Prevalence of Periodontopathic Bacteria in Periodontal Health

The human oral microbiome consists of hundreds of different bacterial species. Saliva represents a potential source of transmission of these bacteria that may contribute to the development of oral diseases like periodontitis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of periodontopathic and periodontitis-related pathogens in saliva and sulcus fluid in periodontal health. 

Method:

44 periodontally healthy people (mean age 36; 23 females, 21 males) participated in the study. Stimulated whole saliva was collected as well as sulcus fluid by inserting paper points into the sulcus of the first molars. 20 different bacterial species were analyzed by 16 sRNA-based polymerase chain reaction with microarray technique.

Result:

In saliva the most prevalent bacteria were V. parvula, Capnocytophaga sp., A. odontolyticus and F. nucleatum (70-86 %). In sulcus fluid, V. parvula, S. mitis group, F. nucleatum, Capnocytophaga sp. and A. odontolyticus showed the highest frequency of detection (89-100 %). The major periodontopathic bacteria A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, T. denticola and T. forsythia were present in saliva and sulcus fluid in 2 to 25 % of the participants.

Conclusion:

Saliva offers a convenient possibility for microbiological testing. The prevalence of periodontopathic bacteria in saliva and sulcus fluid of periodontally healthy participants may indicate a need to develop specific tests for risk assessment for the onset of periodontal disease in these people.