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Bacterial morphotype grading for periodontal disease assessment
Kim Smeda-Pienaar1, Eveline Kaambo1, Charlene W J Africa1
1Microbial Endogenous Infections Studies (MEnIS) Research Laboratories, Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
BDJ Open
|April 3, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a new grading system for periodontal disease using stained dental plaque smears. This method simplifies bacterial analysis and aids in differentiating between healthy and diseased sites.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dentistry
- Diagnostic techniques
Background:
- Traditional darkfield microscopy for periodontal disease assessment has limitations, including immediate examination requirements and inability to distinguish between gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Previous studies utilized bacterial morphotype grading for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis, suggesting potential for periodontal disease assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that stained dental plaque smears can provide a grading system for periodontal disease.
- To develop a diagnostic tool for periodontal disease assessment using stained smears.
Main Methods:
- Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 49 patients.
- Samples were stained using a silver stain technique.
- Bacterial morphotypes were graded relative to probing pocket depth (PD) measurements.
Main Results:
- A grading system from I to IV was established, correlating with periodontal disease severity.
- Grade I indicated healthy sites, while Grade IV indicated severe periodontal disease.
Conclusions:
- Stained smear examination removes time constraints for bacterial analysis and allows for sample storage.
- Standardization of microscopic evaluation areas is needed for consistent diagnosis of periodontal disease.
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