JENA, Germany/HELSINKI, Finland — Researchers have developed a new device to screen for the presence of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), an enzyme that is responsible for periodontitis, according to Dental Tribune. The saliva test is aimed particularly at chronically ill patients and women wishing to have a child, because they are most at risk of adverse health effects due to periodontal disease.

In contrast to conventional methods, such as x-rays, periodontal probes, and bacterial tests, the new screening device, called PerioSafe, can be administered by patients themselves, who can determine whether they have periodontitis within 10 minutes.

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