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PerioPruv
Tony Beale looks at a new and rapid in vivo test for periodontal infection
Periodontal disease
It is estimated that approximately 75% of the adult population have some degree of periodontal infection. The key causative bacteria, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Porphyromonas Gingivalis (Pg), are a common part of the bacterial flora in the mouth. If they remain on the crown or surface of the tooth they are harmless. However, if oral hygiene is not consciously maintained by brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups, tartar and biofilms can build up, creating spaces for bacteria to penetrate between the teeth and the gums. There they are no longer harmless, and an infection begins. The bodys immune system kicks in to fight the infection by producing antibodies to the infection. At this stage the gums are swollen, inflamed and often bleed during brushing (gingivitis). If the infection goes on untreated, the buildup of bacterial toxins and the bodys own defensive mechanism begins to destroy the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place (periodontal disease). This is the number one cause of tooth loss. This condition can also alert patients to other possible health problems, as periodontal disease has been linked to other systemic medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, premature births pancreatic cancer and diabetes.1

Figure 1: The PerioPruv test cassette

Figure 2: The PerioPruv wash buffer applied to the test cassette

and to motivate patients towards better preventive oral hygiene. In post implant placement follow-ups it can be used to detect any signs of perioimplantitis, and to stress the importance of observing a correct and continual oral hygiene regime.

How to use PerioPruv

PerioPruv is easy to use. It simply requires a small sample of the patients saliva to be taken via an absorbent sampler, and all components required for the test are provided. The sampler is placed under the tongue for 3060 seconds. After this, the plunger from a syringe is removed, and the sampler is inserted into the syringe. The plunger is re-inserted and the sampler is then squeezed into a collection vial. A small pipette is then inserted into the collection vial, and the pipette bulb is squeezed, drawing in the saliva that can then be transferred on to the test cassette. Four drops of a liquid wash buffer are then placed in contact with the sample, which is then left for 10 minutes. After this time has elapsed, the test is complete and result can then be assessed against the supplied comparison chart. The visual proof of any active infection will be observed by the presence, or absence, of two red indicator lines.

Reference
1. Extract taken from information supplied by RevDia Corporation, 2011.

PerioPruv a unique diagnostic platform

PerioPruv is a product that can be used at the point of care, enabling dentists and hygienists to determine the presence of active periodontal infections within 10 minutes. It uses induced Antigen Technology in the form of an in vivo test that can be carried out in the dental surgery and negates the need for any external in vitro laboratory testing. PerioPruv will prove that active infection is present by showing that antibodies have been produced by the human body to fight the Aa and Pg bacteria causing the infection. It can visually show proof to the patient that a potentially damaging condition exists, and that preventive and remedial actions will be necessary to restore and maintain dental health.

It can visually show proof to the patient that a potentially damaging condition exists
A sample of PerioPruv is now available in the UK from Optident Ltd, International Development Centre, Valley Drive, Ilkley, LS29 8AL. Call 01943 605050, email sales@ optident.co.uk or visit www.optident.co.uk.

Other applications and health indicators

The usefulness of this test will readily be seen. It can be used as a component in routine dental check-ups,