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Researchers from Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University have created a color-changing strip that detects periodontal disease. Studies show that the strip is as effective as traditional, invasive, more costly tests. About eighty percent of adults have some form of gum disease, so quick, accurate diagnosis would be helpful to dentists and hygienists. Because of recent research that shows gum disease causes increased risk for serious health conditions, early detection and treatment are imperative to dental and overall good health. So here’s the scoop on how the color-changing periodontal disease detecion strip works (and let’s hope they shorten that name in the future)…

The new test involves an oral strip that changes color according to the level of microbial sulfur compounds in a patient’s saliva. Resarch tells us that the strip’s  results are consistent with traditional tests like plaque and gingival indexes, attachment levels, and bleeding upon probing. Read the full article at MedicalNewsToday.com.