Test, Treat, Repopulate™ method reduces red complex bacteria and stabilizes the oral microbiome

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiome research
• Microbial pathogenesis
• Precision dentistry

Background:

• Preventable oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease are significant public health issues.
• Complex polymicrobial interactions drive oral disease, limiting traditional treatments.
• Understanding the oral microbiome is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Test, Treat, Repopulate (TTR) method on the oral microbiome.
• To assess the TTR protocol's impact on key bacterial and viral oral pathogens.
• To provide a data-driven framework for precision oral healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of RT-qPCR salivary diagnostic data from 38 U.S. patients.
• The TTR protocol included scaling, root planing, antibiotics, prebiotic toothpaste/rinse, and oral probiotics.
• Pre- and post-treatment samples were compared, with comparisons to a national dataset.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in seven key bacterial species, including Streptococcus mutans, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia.
• Reductions observed in additional pathogens like Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
• Minimal impact on Candida albicans; assessment of four viral targets was included.

Conclusions:

• The TTR method demonstrates effectiveness in reducing oral pathogens and improving oral microbiome health.
• The protocol shows potential for lasting improvements in oral health across diverse populations.
• Findings support a reproducible, data-driven framework for precision oral healthcare.