Bioluminescence Helpful in Measuring Caries Risk
Bioluminescence Helpful in Measuring Caries RiskBacteria generated light that can be read using bioluminescence may offer an excellent way to quantitatively assess a patient’s oral hygiene and caries risk. Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School
Bioluminescence Helpful in Measuring Caries Risk
Bacteria-generated light that can be read using bioluminescence may offer an excellent way to quantitatively assess a patient’s oral hygiene and caries risk. Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Dentistry studied ways to use microbiological testing as a means to quantify oral bacteria, including streptococci. Investigators studied the plaque and saliva of 32 test subjects age 7 to age 12. The specimens were gathered from a single tooth in each of the four quadrants of the oral cavity and then subjected to adenosine triphosphate-driven (ATP) bioluminescence for assessment
Test results revealed a strong relationship between measurements of ATP and the presence of bacteria.
Lead investigator of the study, Curt Machida, PhD, professor of integrative biosciences and pediatric dentistry at OHSU, said in a news release issued by the school: “The use of ATP-driven bioluminescence has broad implications in dentistry and medicine, and can be used translationally in the clinic to determine the efficacy of interventional therapies, including the use of mouth rinses and perhaps in the detection of bacterial infections in periodontal and other infectious diseases.”
Source: Oregon Health & Science University
