The disclosure provides compositions and methods for the detection of renal disease and periodontal disease in mammals.

Described herein are methods used for the detection of gingivitis and the monitoring of gingivitis in a subject.

Disclosed herein are kits and related methods for testing the oral microbiome of an animal for presence of one or more bacteria, e.g, associated with an oral disease or disorder, such periodontal disease, good oral health, or both, in a sample collected from the animal. The kit includes a sample collection device having a handle and a head opposite the handle. The kit further includes a dry container for storing the sample collection device. The container has an open position for receiving at least a portion of the head and a closed position.

A saliva sensing device for detecting oral health and/or overall health includes a chemically treated test strip biomarker targeted to identify bacteria in the saliva. A breathalyzer for detecting bacteria in the mouth of a user includes a housing, a sensor, and an analyzer. The sensor is coupled to the housing and extends outwardly therefrom for placing in the mouth of user and for collecting a saliva sample. The analyzer is for testing saliva that contacts the sensor.

Disclosed is an in vitro method for assessing whether a human patient suffering from periodontitis has mild periodontitis or advanced periodontitis. The method is based on the insight to determine a selection of three bio marker proteins. Accordingly, in a sample of saliva a patient suffering from periodontitis, the concentrations are measured of the proteins Pyruvate Kinase (PK) and at least two of Haemoglobin-beta (Hb-beta), Haemoglobin-delta (Hb-delta), S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9). Based on the concentrations as measured, a value is determined reflecting the joint concentrations for said proteins. This value is compared with a threshold value reflecting in the same manner the joint concentrations associated with advanced periodontitis. The comparison allows assessing whether the testing value is indicative of the presence of advanced periodontitis or of mild periodontitis in said patient. Thereby, typically, a testing value reflecting a joint concentration below the joint concentration reflected by the threshold value is indicative for mild periodontitis in said patient, and a testing value reflecting a joint concentration at or above the joint concentration reflected by the threshold value, is indicative for advanced periodontitis in said patient.

A lateral flow assay device for testing a biological sample includes housing, a sample receiving pad, a conjugate test pad, and a nitrocellulose membrane. The sample receiving pad and conjugate test pad, as well as the nitrocellulose membrane, are enclosed within an interior portion of the housing. The sample receiving pad is in fluid communication with an opening defined in an outer surface of the housing for receiving the biological sample. At least a portion of the conjugate test pad is in contact with the sample receiving pad and is configured to test the biological sample. At least one window is defined in the outer surface of the housing adjacent the conjugate test pads such that the results of the test performed on the conjugate test pads are visible from outside of the housing.

Effective monitoring of the acid/base physiology of dental plaque is considered in caries risk assessment. The invention provides a methodology for caries risk assessment and a kit of biochemical tests for acid/alkali generation in dental plaque and in saliva as a screening instrument for identifying subjects with caries. The invention provides simple chair-side tests that measure the ability of dental plaque and/or saliva to metabolize sugars concomitantly with the ability to metabolize urea and other salivary nitrogenous substrates.

The present disclosure relates to methods for characterizing and diagnosing dental diseases. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods for characterizing and diagnosing dental disease (e.g., gingivitis and periodontal disease) based on levels of AI-2 in oral fluids and plaque.

Disclosed is an in vitro method for assessing whether a human subject has periodontitis. The method comprises detecting, in a sample of saliva from said subject, the concentrations of the proteins Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8). Based on the concentrations determined, and adding age, and possibly other demographic markers such as sex and/or BMI, a testing value reflecting the joint concentrations is determined for said proteins, in combination with one or more demographic markers. The testing value is compared with a threshold value. The threshold reflects in the same manner the joint concentrations and the age, and possibly other demographic markers, as associated with periodontitis and may be seen as an upper limit of testing values as seen in a population of subjects without periodontitis. Thereby a testing value at or above the threshold value is indicative for periodontitis in said subject.

The present disclosure describes methods for preventing or treating periodontitis or diseases associated with periodontitis. The present disclosure also describes methods of screening for compounds that can be used to prevent or treat periodontitis or diseases associated with periodontitis.